J. Donald Dial COLUMBIA – J. Donald Dial died Friday, November 16, 2007, after a short illness. Born on July 27, 1915, at home in Columbia, he was a son of the late John Donald Dial and Marjorie Robertson Dial. Mr. Dial was educated at Bon Air School, Woodberry Forest School, The Citadel and the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) Law School. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army, including a tour of duty in the Panama Canal Zone, and rising to the rank of Major. After the war, he practiced law briefly in Columbia and helped found Equitable Savings and Loan Association. He then began a long and successful career in real estate development and investment. He was an enthusiastic bridge player for his entire adult life. Mr. Dial supported many local charities and civic projects. In later years he took a special interest in the preservation and improvement of the Lace House and the Caldwell-Boylston House and their gardens, which originally were the home of his great-grandparents and his great-great-grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Robin Hood Dial; his sons, J. Donald Dial, Jr., Robin H. Dial and Dr. Burke H. Dial and their wives, all of Columbia; grandchildren, Robin Dial II, Marjorie Dial, Caroline Rohan, Ellison Dial, Mimi Dial and India Dial; and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Monday, November 19, at 4 p.m. at the graveside in the family plot in Elmwood Cemetery. Following the funeral, the family will receive friends at 4 Country Club Court. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Governor’s Mansion Foundation, 800 Richland St., Columbia, SC 29201.
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