Dexter M Patrick

Dexter M. Patrick, affectionately known as "Po" to his family and friends, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2024, at the age of 90. A graveside service to honor his life will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Grove Hill Cemetery in Darlington, SC, at 3:00 PM. The family will receive friends at Belk Funeral Home in Darlington from 2:00 until 2:45 PM on the same day.

Dexter was born in Cades, South Carolina, one of eleven children to the late Bishop B. and Mary Mobley Patrick. He proudly served in both the South Carolina National Guard and the United States Army, with his service in Korea leaving an indelible mark on his life. After returning home, Dexter went on to have a long and distinguished career as a truck driver, working for over 41 years, retiring from ABF, which had recently acquired Carolina Freight. His colleagues and fellow drivers fondly remember his steady hand and kind heart.

Outside of work, Dexter had a deep passion for auctions, antiques, old cars, and what he lovingly called "old junk." On Monday mornings, his dear friend Bert Morris would pick him up, and they would head to the So-Lina Auction, where Po would join a circle of friends to share stories and, of course, solve the world's problems.

Dexter was a longtime and devoted member of the First Original Free Will Baptist Church in Darlington. His love for children was well known to all who knew him, and it was said that just as Jesus loved the little children, Po held a special place in his heart for them. He leaves behind many honorary grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom he cherished.

Dexter is survived by his wife, Peggy Patrick; his children, Cindy (Hardy) Abernathy and Danny (Tammy) Patrick; his grandchildren, Jillian (McCrary) Johnstone and Crystal Patrick; and his great-granddaughter, Little Lilly Johnstone, and multiple nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Chance Cameron, and all of his siblings.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, www.t2t.org, in honor of Dexter's service to his country.

Dexter's kind spirit, sense of humor, and love for his family and friends will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.