Deceased Classmate: Class of 1964; Dale Sorlie Ness
Date Of Birth: Feb-12-1946
Date Deceased: September-9-2009
Age at Death: 63
Cause of Death:
Classmate City: Columbia
Classmate State: SC
Classmate Country: USA
Was a Veteran: Yes Army
Survived By: Dale is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jane H. Ness; three children, Kristen N. Ayers (Peter), Sarah A. Ness and Dale S. Ness Jr. (Kerri); one granddaughter, Taylor J. Ayers; two sisters, Charlotte M. Ness and Cheryl E. Ness; and one brother, Peter G. Ness.

Dale Sorlie Ness, 63, died Wednesday, September 9, 2009, in Duke University Hospital. Dale was born February 12, 1946, in Bismarck, North Dakota. He was a graduate of Duke University (AB, 1968) and the University of South Carolina (JD, 1975). Dale served three years in the U.S. Army (1968-1971), during which time he spent a year stationed in South Korea and achieved the rank of First Lieutenant. Dale practiced law in Cincinnati, Ohio, from 1975-1980. In 1980, Dale moved with his family to Columbia, S.C., where he worked as a stock broker. He founded The Ness Company Inc. in 1981, launching his lifelong career as a business entrepreneur and land developer. He not only took pride in his business, but truly loved his work and cherished the friends he made through his business pursuits. Dale was a devoted husband, father and friend. He was kind and fun-loving with a sharp intellect and competitive spirit. He made friends wherever he went. Dale enjoyed rooting for the Duke Blue Devils, coaching his son’s teams, golfing, fishing, poker and chess. His strength and generosity were treasured by those who knew him. Dale is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jane H. Ness; three children, Kristen N. Ayers (Peter), Sarah A. Ness and Dale S. Ness Jr. (Kerri); one granddaughter, Taylor J. Ayers; two sisters, Charlotte M. Ness and Cheryl E. Ness; and one brother, Peter G. Ness. Dale was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn S. Ness, and his father, Dale V. Ness. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Monday, September 14, 2009, at Dunbar Funeral Home on Devine Street with burial at 4:30 p.m. in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. prior to the service. Friends who wish to make memorial gifts in Dale’s memory please consider United Family Services, Shelter for Battered Women, P.O. Box 220312, Charlotte, NC 28222 (where his daughter, Sarah, works as a therapist), or the Animal Protection League, 6080 Old Leesburg Road, Hopkins, SC 29061 (he loved his dogs).