William Cunningham Dailey

     William Cunningham Dailey, 92, never met a stranger – only friends he hadn't spoken to yet. He didn't just meet people; he saw them. He had that rare, magnetic gift for making you feel important within seconds of shaking your hand. We are all better for having been pulled into his orbit, and while his absence leaves a void, he leaves us with a blueprint for how to live: with an open heart and an outstretched hand.

     He died peacefully in his home on Monday, March 2, 2026.

     Funeral services will be 1:30 PM on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Highland Park United Methodist Church with visitation one hour prior to the service beginning at 12:30 PM.  Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery.

     Mr. Dailey was born in Blenheim, South Carolina, a son of the late William Harley and Florence Cunningham Dailey. He graduated from Clemson College with a bachelor’s degree and served briefly in the US Army Reserves.

     Mr. Dailey married the love of his life, Ida Margaret McAbee in 1958. As partners, they raised four sons and a daughter, while making a lifetime of memories.

     Mr. Dailey built a distinguished career in real estate, beginning as an agent, then a contractor, and later becoming a respected developer. Over the years, he helped shape the landscape of Florence and the surrounding areas through numerous housing developments, taking great pride in building not just houses, but neighborhoods where families could grow and thrive. In later years, he developed multi-family projects throughout North and South Carolina.

     Deeply committed to giving back to the community he loved, Mr. Dailey personally funded and helped raise donations to build the baseball and softball fields at Florence-Darlington Technical College – a project especially meaningful to him because of his lifelong love of the game.

     Mr. Dailey had a deep compassion for people, generously helping those in need, both friends and strangers. He was especially concerned for those facing homelessness and mental illness.

     Mr. Dailey also had a love for travel and learning, always eager to explore new places and ideas. Whether through conversation, reading, or experience, he approached life with curiosity and an open mind.

     A member of Highland Park United Methodist Church, his life was grounded in generosity and devotion to family.  He didn’t talk about his faith; he lived it.

     Mr. Dailey is survived by his devoted wife, Ida Margaret Dailey; his daughter, Alison Dailey of Mt. Pleasant, SC; his son, Alan Dailey (Bill Thomas) of Richmond, VA; his granddaughter, Lauren Dailey Meeks (Jake) of Charlotte, NC; and his great-granddaughter, Maggie Meeks, who brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his sisters, Clara Conley of Huntsville, AL, and Caddie MacArthur (Billy) of Blenheim, SC, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

     The family is most grateful to Katherine Singletary, Pam Armour, Jeanette Jones, Taren Neisey, and Patty Fulmore for their loyalty and care.

     He was preceded in death by three sons, William Dailey, Greg Dailey, and John Christopher Dailey; two sisters, Bobbie Weatherly and Helen Kirkley; and a grandson, Will Dailey.

     Your presence and support mean the most.  If you would like to donate to honor Mr. Dailey’s passion for others, please consider donations to:

                           Highland Park United Methodist Church, 1300 Second Loop Road, Florence SC 29505

                           House of Hope, 1020 W. Darlington Street, Florence SC 29501

                           Pee Dee Mental Health Foundation, 125 East Cheves, Florence SC 29506

                           A charity of your choice

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