York, South Carolina – Mr. Harold Dean McCarter, 92, of York, South Carolina, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2026, at home surrounded by his family.
Mr. McCarter was born December 25, 1933, in Clover, South Carolina, to the late Willie Meek McCarter and Emma Melton McCarter. Dean was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of 68 years, Margaret Sue Brown McCarter; sisters, Gladys Nunn, Mildred Davidson, Mary Grissom, and Ruby Bennett; and brothers, Howard McCarter, Hardy McCarter, Glenn McCarter, Marvin McCarter, and States McCarter.
He is survived by his two sons Kevin McCarter (Susan) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Jeff McCarter (Andrea) of York, South Carolina, and adopted son Buddy Conners (Summer) of Conway, South Carolina; and grandchildren Abbe, Ele, and Ben; Haden and Melia; and Valor, Autumn, and Ariah.
Dean was a previous member of the National Guard and a true textile man. He built his career from the ground up – beginning with General Knitting in Monroe, North Carolina. He then spent time at Caro-Knit and in 1969 moved his young family to Clover, South Carolina and with his partners started Kenda Knits. In 1978, Dean and his partners, Kenneth Price, and Ruby Bennett, opened Clover Knits.
Dean and Margaret were founding members of Oakdale Presbyterian Church and legend has it that they were the first couple married there on October 27, 1956. Dean was recently honored by the Oakdale family as an Elder Emeritus on April 19, 2026.
The McCarters were avid Clemson fans and golfers, often playing at Springlake and with Dean winning the Clover Club Senior Flight in 2007.
Dean was known for his love for family, his work, and the Clemson Tigers. His guidance, character, and quick wit left a last mark on everyone who had the privilege of working with him and knowing him. He will be missed by his family and the entire Clover Knits family, as well.
The funeral service will be 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Oakdale Presbyterian Church, 12585 W. Highway 55, Clover, South Carolina, with the Rev. Den Parker officiating. The family will receive friends from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Church before the service. Interment will be in the Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oakdale Presbyterian Church, 12585 W. Highway 55, Clover, SC 29710, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org.
Online condolences may be made at www.mlfordsons.com
M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, Clover, South Carolina is serving the family of Mr. McCarter.
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