Andrew Geer Dial, 88, of Columbia, died Tuesday, January 17, 2023. Andy was born March 16, 1934 in Columbia to Charles Inglesby Dial and Dorothy Geer Dial. Known by many friends, family, and adopted cousins as “The Little Andy Man” or as he liked to refer to himself, “The Little Guy”. Andy never met a stranger and was a fiercely loyal friend,
Andy served three years in the United States Marine Corps and remained loyal to the Corps until the day he died. He attended the Citadel and the University of South Carolina, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Andy enjoyed a very exciting and varied career. He co-owned Dial/Treadaway men’s clothing store on Main Street for many years. He spent time as a manufacturer’s rep in North Carolina, and later worked in Stowe, VT. His claim to fame came while working on the ski slopes during the day and as a bartender at night, where he met Mrs. Von Trapp of “The Sound of Music” fame. He then worked in New York and Connecticut as a rep for a clothing line. His last occupation was for the State of South Carolina as an Ombudsman, under Governor David Beasley. He was a member of The Columbia Cotillion Club, The Anglican Cathedral Church of The Epiphany, and the Sunday school class of The First Presbyterian Church. He also enjoyed volunteering for the USC Naval ROTC golf tournament, held annually at Fort Jackson.
He is survived by his daughter, Caroline Brickle, his nephew, Charles Inglesby Dial, III, and his niece, Alice Rose Dial.
The funeral service will be graveside at Elmwood Cemetery on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 2:00 PM. Shives Funeral Home, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC 29223 is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers and for his love of The Marine Corps, memorials may be made to Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd., Suite 102 PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057.
Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.