Virgil Vincent Carlsen

Virgil V. Carlsen, 86, passed away Saturday, April 30th, 2016.Virgil “Grandy” Carlsen was born in Clinton, Iowa, June 25, 1929, the son of the late Vincent C. Carlsen and Helen L. Meinert, and brother to the late Ardelle Rettkowski of Lowden, Iowa.

A graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951, was commissioned and earned his Wings in September 1953, and retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1974. During his tenure he was a Jet Fighter Pilot, an Instructor Pilot, and a Contracting Officer. Upon his retirement, he was employed by the College of Charleston and later by the S.C Division of General Services. He was the Director of Procurement for the State of S.C. from 1978 until his retirement in 1993. He was a Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) by the National Association of Purchasing Management, and a Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing.

He was commissioned a “Kentucky Colonel” by Lawrence Weatherby, Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and awarded the “The Order of the Palmetto” by the State of South Carolina, Governor Carrol Campbell.

Virgil was an avid golfer, fisherman, hunter and outdoorsman. He enjoyed pottery, painting and baking, as well as volunteering time at his church.

Surviving are his loving wife Bette of 62 years, Son Christopher and his wife, Lynn, of Spartanburg, Son Dustin and Grandchildren Kelsey and Keagan of Irmo.

Service will be held at 3pm Wednesday, May 4th at Redeemer Lutheran Church on St.Andrews Road in Columbia. Reception to follow. Interment will be in the National Cemetery, Fort Jackson, S.C. with military honors. Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to the Nature Conservancy of South Carolina.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com