Frank Johnstone Dana III

June 8, 1950 - April 8, 2020

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Frank Johnstone Dana III, 69, of Greenville, South Carolina, passed away on April 8th, 2020 at Rolling Green Village after a long battle with corticobasal syndrome.

Frank was born on June 8th, 1950 to Frank Johnstone Dana, Jr. and Laura McCants Dana of Columbia, South Carolina. He graduated from Dreher High School in 1968, Davidson College in 1972, and Duke University School of Law in 1975. Frank then moved to Greenville, South Carolina, began practicing law, and met his future wife Susan. They married in 1983 and had one child, Caroline. He practiced law privately for many years and was the founder of Dana Law Firm which later became Upstate Elder Law, PA in 2009.

Among his professional accomplishments, Frank was most proud of being the first Certified Elder Law Attorney in Greenville, South Carolina. He devoted his practice to helping families both plan for and navigate legal matters associated with illness, disability, and end of life. Frank has been a member of the Greenville County Bar Association, the Greenville Estate Planning Council, Upstate Senior Network, the South Carolina Bar, the American Bar Association, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). He served on several national committees of NAELA and is a past President of the South Carolina Chapter of NAELA.

Frank was passionate about the game of tennis. Following his time at Davidson playing on the varsity tennis team, he found success in USTA League Tennis. He captained several teams that won both state and sectional titles, and competed at nationals in 2003. He loved being in the great outdoors and enjoyed many adventures on Sierra Club outings. Frank was a long time member and former South Carolina Chapter Chair of the Sierra Club. He served on the board of Camp Opportunity and was a former president of the Gower Estates Pool. He was a long-time volunteer with Meals on Wheels. He was formerly a member of St. James Episcopal Church and was a current member of Christ Church Episcopal, Greenville.

Most importantly, Frank was a devoted husband and loving father. He was a kind man that cared deeply for others and this was evident throughout his life.

He is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife Susan Hostetler Dana, daughter Caroline and husband Nick Chamberlain of Charlotte, North Carolina, sister Jane Tucker and husband David Aufhauser of Washington, DC, and sister Nancy and husband William Theus of Columbia, South Carolina.

A celebration of Frank’s life will be held a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Frank Dana to the Junior Tennis Foundation at 70 West Red Oak Lane, 4th Floor, White Plains, NY 10604. The Junior Tennis Foundation supports tennis programs that serve economically disadvantaged youth and people with disabilities.

The family wishes to thank Always Best Care, The Gardens at Eastside, Rolling Green Village, Pathway Hospice, and countless family and friends for the love and care shown to Frank and his family during the course of his illness.

Frank Johnstone Dana III, 69, of Greenville, South Carolina, passed away on April 8th, 2020 at Rolling Green Village after a long battle with corticobasal syndrome. Frank was born on June 8th, 1950 to Frank Johnstone Dana, Jr. and Laura McCants Dana of Columbia, South Carolina. He graduated from Dreher High School in 1968, DavidsonContinue Reading

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Frank was a great man and wonderful friend. Always kind and considerate and there to help in anyway possible

I am so sorry to learn of Frank’s health struggle and his passing. As he was starting his private law practice he was one of my tenants in Executive Suites. He often spoke of his love for Susan. He was loved by all of our staff and a real pleasure to have with us. Prayers for all of your family. May he Rest In Peace.

Susan, I was greatly saddened reading this news in a Davidson class note. I always thought Annie and I would get to see you and Frank again. Frank was a fantastic roommate in college and our days hiking before going to school each year is still one of my fondest memories. Frank had so much energy that I never had to collect much of the firewood and he generally had hot water already prepared when I got up for another day of trucking after him. I really am at a loss for words. I have often thought of you guys especially since I finally retired from the lab last summer. I went back to school this winter to take some math classes that I had missed. I knew Frank had taken them. He almost always beat me at chess and I always hoped to get to a point that I could have won a tennis set from him. I am sure he would have worn me down before getting a match. I thought he would be here long after me. I do send my condolence to you, Caroline, and the rest of the family.. To this day I wish I could have danced at your wedding. I can only offer my wish for a hug.

Susan and Caroline, I too will really miss Frank. He was such a gentleman and an outstanding lawyer. Susan, your dedication to working with him in his last months was an inspiration to me. i truly believe he's in a better place.

Susan: I just heard. I am sooo sorry to hear this. My thoughts are prayers are with you. My Mom will be sad to hear this. So sorry for your loss.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Susan and Family,
It was with great sadness that I learned of Frank's passing. I always enjoyed working with him on some of the complicated estate planning matters. He was most knowledgeable and extremely helpful. If there is anything I can do to help you or the family, please don't hesitate to let me know. My sincere condolences and prayers.
Skip Spooner

Susan and Caroline,
I am so saddened to hear of Frank's passing. He was a true gentleman. I certainly enjoyed chatting with him at suppper club so many years ago. You are in my prayers.

Frank was a gentleman lawyer and never made a bad line call. He was always glad to see you. We will miss him.

Susan and Caroline, I am very sorry for your loss. It has probably been a long good-bye. I would imagine you are thankful he is not suffering anymore. He was a great friend to all. I remember him well at Christ Church; and during growing up with my daughter Mary Kathryn Allen. We will be thinking of you and praying for your peace of mind at this time of sadness.

Such a wonderful and precious man. Worked with him when I first came to Greenville and he helped many of our residents and families at The Gardens at Eastside. Then years later to get to know Susan and Frank in a more personal level and having the honor of helping in his care. Such a special couple and we are all blessed from knowing him. Susan and Caroline please know that we are lifting you both up in our prayers. God bless and much love

To Frank's Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I knew Frank through the SC Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). He was a gentleman, soft spoken and kind. He was always more than happy to share his vast knowledge of elder law with his fellow Chapter members. May God give you peace and comfort and heal your hearts.

Dear Susan and Caroline,
Please know you are in my heart as you grieve and yet celebrate the life of your husband and your dad. It must have been a long journey for you to travail Frank’s decline. He was a gentle and caring person and I will always remember his kindness. I hope you can embrace the peace he now has. Take good care. Fondly, Lesley Quast

Susan and Caroline I’m so sorry. Frank was one of the best men I knew. Kind, funny and generous, he will be missed.

Karen and David Perkins

Susan and Caroline : I am so sorry for your loss. Frank is flying with the angels now and will have such a glorious Easter.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.