In Memoriam

Allan Cooper Dell, Jr.

 

Mr. Dell, of Charlotte, died unexpectedly Friday, July 31st, 2009. Born on April 22, 1957, Mr. Dell was the son of the late Jean Edrington Dell and Allan Cooper Dell, senior. He is survived by his wife, Susan 'Woozie' Dell, and son, Allan Cooper Dell, III, of the home.

Mr. Dell is a graduate of Charlotte Latin School, the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and earned a B.S. in Interior Design from the O'More College of Design with a major in Historic Preservation. In addition, Mr. Dell studied at the Parson's School of Design in England, the Institute of Classical Architecture of Great Britain, and took extensive coursework through the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. An Allied Member of the Society of Interior Designers, Mr. Dell was a highly respected designer among his peers and known for his generosity and eagerness to mentor and share best practices. The recipient of many design awards, Mr. Dell worked diligently to create interiors that were at first glance exuberant and elegant, but above all else, loved and used by his clients. While he designed many residential interiors in Charlotte, his work was recognized throughout the Southeast serving a wide range of clients all along the Eastern Seaboard. Mr. Dell was known for his thorough and accurate research and understanding of materials, textiles, architecture, antiques and art. An avid student, Mr. Dell studied history, architecture, and art extensively and incorporated his wide knowledge into his work and his life.

Mr. Dell was an active member at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, and served as a Deacon, a Sunday School teacher, and a member of many committees. Mr. Dell was a devoted Christian with a deep faith, a love for all mankind and a commitment to make the world a better place. He delighted his friends and family with his quick wit, his friendly smile, and his willingness to help others.

Mr. Dell is survived by his sisters Diana Ezell and her husband Charles, Marjorie 'Mimi' Delaney and her husband Timothy and his sister-in-law, Jaqueline 'Jackie' Jones and her husband Tony Lewis Putnam. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews Whitney, Hillary and Cotesworth Delaney and Christopher, Andrew and Hunter Geiss, and a host of devoted friends.

Mr. Dell, an accomplished equestrian, loved the country life and enjoyed extensive travel throughout the United States and England. He had a keen interest in ancestry and was involved in a vast array of historical societies, but his favorite pastime was sharing these moments with his son, Cooper, and wife, Woozie, weaving together the fabric of their loving family.

 

'Pause, friend, and strip from out your heart All vanity, all bitterness, all hate: Quench, for this hour, the fever of your fears. Then, treading softly, pass within this gate. There, where the ancient trees wait, hushed and dim, May you find God, and walk awhile with him.'

- Pearl Hiatt, 'Inscription for a Garden Gate'

 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Allan Cooper Dell Memorial Fund, c/o Myers Park Band Boosters, P.O. Box 11891, Charlotte, NC 28220. A service to celebrate Allan Cooper Dell's life will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, August 5th, 2009, at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:30 until 8:30 PM at Hankins & Whittington, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte.

Arrangements are in the care of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service. Please share condolences online at www.hankinswhittington.com.