Eight Bells: Dan Dickison

Dan Dickison

William Daniel Gaither Dickison, 67, affectionately known as Dan, died at home on June 12, 2023 in Charleston, SC. He was surrounded by his wife and daughters after a courageous battle with lymphoma.

Dan was born on January 12, 1956, in Florence, Alabama, to Dr. Roland Bishop Dickison and Elizabeth Berry Dickison. He experienced a rich life of travel and culture, growing up in Damascus, Syria; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Guadalajara, Mexico; and Sacramento, California.

Graduating from Encina High School in Sacramento in 1973, Dan went on to earn a B.A. at Colorado College, where his parents had met and where as many as 14 Dickisons have studied. He later completed a Masters in Spanish Literature at the University of California at Berkeley, and taught briefly at Kerwin Terrace School in St. Thomas.

As a writer and editor, he freelanced for various magazines over the years as well as holding positions at Sailing World Magazine, Kiawah Island Real Estate, and Practical Sailor Magazine.

Dan worked with Charleston Race Week for many years, writing and acting as media director. He supported all sailing in Charleston, contributing in how it is now a well-known sailing town capable of hosting many World, National, Regional and local regattas.

Most recently, he served as The College of Charleston’s Director of Marketing for Academics. He was passionate about the College, it’s faculty, staff, students and of course the Cougar basketball team.

He also served as a board member of Lowcountry Maritime School and the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art. He especially enjoyed his time as a sailing coach for the Warrior Sailing Program for Veterans.

Dan loved life, travel, and adventures of all kinds with family and friends. Sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating and biking were things he pursued regularly. He was a devoted husband, father, brother and friend. His heart was gentle and he was generous with his time and support for others.

Dan was predeceased by his father, Roland, his mother, Elizabeth (Berry), and his brother Roland Junior. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Cindy Hope, and daughters Elise and Bennett; he is further survived by his older sisters, Sally, and Berry, his older brother, Swift, and his younger brother, Tim.

A celebration of his life will be planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Lakeside Animal Rescue, Warrior Sailing Program or other charity of your choice. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Daniel Dickison, click here.