Albert Eugene “Gene” Carmichael, Jr. 86, Lake View businessman and former state senator, has died after a lengthy illness, with his family at his side. Carmichael was the son of the late A.E. and Sadie Carmichael, Sr. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Sara Jo, and sister, Emily C. O’Boyle.
Survivors include nephews Pete O’Boyle of Columbia, Henry O’Boyle of Little River, nieces Kathy O’Boyle Smith of Lake View and Anne O’Boyle Woodward of Bowling Green, Ky. Carmichael led a long and productive life. He operated numerous businesses in Lake View and Dillon County during his lifetime and worked every day until recent months when illness forced him to retire.
Among the many commercial enterprises he started and operated included Carmichael Oil Co., Carpostan Industries and Lake View Finishing textile companies and Carmichael Fertilizer. His best known businesses perhaps were the Phillips 66 gas station and Dairy Maid restaurant on Main St. (Hwy. 9) in Lake View. Carmichael also was involved in several farming enterprises over the years.
He was most proud of serving the citizens of Dillon, Marlboro, Lee and Chesterfield counties as their state senator, having been elected three times to that office. Carmichael also served on the state Highway Commission, where he was instrumental in ensuring that I-95 ran through Dillon County and allowed “South of the Border” to continue its success.
He also served on the state Development Board where he recruited numerous industries to the Pee Dee. Over the years Carmichael provided hundreds of local citizens with jobs and financial assistance. He also operated Dillon County’s first, unofficial dog shelter, providing a home to hundreds of abandoned animals over the years. He was a proud Democrat, serving as Dillon County Executive Committeeman for several decades.
Carmichael was a graduate of The Citadel and served in the U.S. Army occupation forces-Europe at the end of World War II. He was a life-long member and Elder of Fork Presbyterian Church and helped finance the rebuilding of the church after it burned in the 1970s.
Donations can be made to Fork Presbyterian Church, 2413 Hwy. 41 S. Fork, SC 29543 or to the animal shelter of your choice.
Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2014 at 3:00 pm at Fork Presbyterian Church directed by Cooke Funeral Home of Lake View. A burial service will follow at Lake View Perpetual Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday at 2:00 pm at Fork Presbyterian Church, prior to the funeral.
