Paul Trotti Dyches

Paul Trotti Dyches passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Aiken, South Carolina, after a seven-month battle with cancer. He was 67.

He is survived by his daughters Michelle Miller (David), Angie Wikert, and Paula Dyches; grandchildren, Dylan Miller, Trevor Miller, Angelica Landers, Savannah Landers, Victoria Landers, Chloe Seigler, Matthew Nealy, Luke Dyches, Ethan Wikert; siblings, Ben T. Dyches III and Claye Dyches Clyatt. He was married to Marie Louise Dyches for 29 years. Though later divorced, they remained close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben Tillman Dyches, Jr. and Dorothy Trotti Dyches, and a sister, Sarah Dyches Alexander.

Born on November 19, 1957, in Aiken, Paul lived and worked in many places throughout his life, including South Carolina, Florida, and Nevada. A general contractor by trade, he had a knack for building just about anything. According to him, he built his first house at 16—and when the high school called home to report him missing, his father found him not skipping school, but out on a job site, already working.

Over the years, Paul built homes across Aiken and Edisto Beach before eventually moving west to Las Vegas, where he opened his own business, Nevada Door and Window. But the move wasn’t just about work—Paul was always looking for something new. Living in the Nevada desert gave him the chance to explore gold mining, caves, and mountain ranges. His wife and kids came along for the ride—learning to pan for gold, helping build a sluice in the backyard, hiking in remote areas, and, on one unforgettable night, walking out of the desert after the van got stuck in the sand.

Paul didn’t plan everything out, but that was part of the fun. One afternoon, he showed up with a giant RV, announced they were heading out, and the family spent the next two weeks exploring California and Nevada.

Saturdays in the Dyches house always started the same way—waking up to the sound of saws and hammers. Paul shared his love for building with his daughters, taking them to job sites and teaching them how to use tools in the garage and at Dyches Building Supply.

In his later years, it was his grandchildren who brought him the most joy. He took great pride in watching them grow up—whether it was building decks and doing remodels with Trevor, heading to the park with Ethan, or playing Lincoln Logs with Luke. He loved being around them and watching them grow up.

In his final days, Paul asked to visit Edisto Beach one last time. While driving around looking at the houses he had built, he was kindly invited into his childhood home by the current owner. On the wall hung a painting by his mother—still there after all these years. It was a day full of stories and memories, and it meant a great deal to him.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, at Bethany Cemetery in Aiken, SC. All are welcome.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Marie and Debbie Owen for the care and support they gave Paul during his final days. Their dedication, compassion, and presence made a difficult time more bearable and will always be deeply appreciated.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801