Dale Giles Earhardt

Dale was born on January 28, 1950 and is predeceased by her mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. George Wesley Giles (Ann) of Greenville, SC and her brother-in-law, Pernell Griffith (Griff) Earhardt of Chapin, SC.

Dale is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Lewie “Wayne” Earhardt of Columbia and their three children, Elise Giles Earhardt (Charleston, SC), Ainsley Earhardt Proctor (New York, NY) and Trenton Graham Earhardt (Darcy) of Columbia. Dale’s greatest joy was found in knowing all four of her grandchildren. She is the treasured “Mimi” to Hayden DuBose Proctor, Graham Griffith Earhardt, McLain Patton Earhardt and William Banks Earhardt. She is also survived by her sister, Lynn Giles Young, brother-in-law, Robert Young of Rock Hill, SC, their three children and families. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Linda Dasher Earhardt of Chapin, SC.

Dale was born in Greenville, South Carolina and graduated from Greenville High School in 1968. She then received a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Columbia College in 1972. Dale married and then began her lifelong career as a teacher in Spartanburg, SC, Charlotte, NC and then spent the remainder of her beloved teaching career in Richland School District 2 at Anna Boyd Elementary School in Columbia. She worked tirelessly to earn her national, board certification in teaching and was also recognized for her superior talents as Teacher of the Year. After much thought and prayer, she decided to retire after 33 enjoyable years. Retirement was a difficult decision for Dale because she truly enjoyed teaching and having a lasting impact on her students’ lives. The South Carolina General Assembly honored Dale for her years of service by passing a resolution by the House of Representatives (led by Representative Chip Huggins) and concurred in by the Senate. Governor Henry McMaster and First Lady, Peggy McMaster, presented Dale this honor at her 70th Birthday Party at the Palmetto Club in 2020.

Dale had a full and beautiful childhood and called Greenville, “God’s Country”. She remains very close to those friends and went on to have many more friendships in Spartanburg and Columbia. She loved to socialize, visit the beaches of South Carolina, her Birthday Club, Bridge Clubs, Supper Clubs and playing Shanghai. She was an avid chef, loved reading and watching Antiques Roadshow, The Food Network and Fox News.

As a woman of faith, Dale is a member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church. She was a committed and loyal Christian, who found strength to overcome her illnesses and any adversity through her religious convictions. She participated in Bible studies throughout her years and loved the Lord. She and Wayne served in various roles as active members at Ebenezer Lutheran Church while raising their children to be devoted Christians. Her family is at peace knowing she is healthy in her eternal home with Jesus and her precious parents.

Dale met many challenges head-on with a positive spirit. Despite being forced to overcome debilitating and physical hardships, she maintained a strong resolve to persevere and was never one to complain. By her side, for the past five years, has been her dedicated and personal caretaker, Maggie Lewis, who will forever be considered a part of the Earhardt Family. The family would also like to thank Dale’s doctors and nurses, especially Vishwa Raj, MD and Frampton Henderson, MD.

The epitome of a Southern lady. Dale will forever be known as a good and wholesome person. She was loved by all who had the privilege and opportunity to know her. Dale preferred to be out of the spotlight and humbly gave others credit, which often times, she deserved. She poured her life into her relationships with her husband, children, grandchildren and friends.

To honor Dale, her family and friends will join to celebrate her life. Her visitation will be at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel on Sunday, October 30, 2022 from 2-4 PM followed by a funeral service at Eastminster Presbyterian Church on Monday, October 31, 2022 at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Dale’s name can be made to Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29204 or Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1301 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201.