Dustin Camm Carter

Dustin “Dusty” Camm Carter was born on September 30, 1975, in Georgetown, South Carolina, to James Edward Carter (April 4, 1949 – December 31, 2024) of Hemingway, South Carolina, and Rebecca Ann Sellars Carter (born November 2, 1955) of Albany, Georgia.

Dusty’s middle name, Camm, came from an unforgettable story. His parents’ car broke down on the way to the hospital due to a faulty camshaft. That moment inspired a name that captured his adventurous and unpredictable spirit. That was a fitting start to a life filled with detours, resilience, and determination.

Dusty spent most of his childhood and early adulthood in Augusta, Georgia, where his quick humor, charm, and tender heart made him unforgettable. He was always surrounded by friends who loved him for his generous and loyal nature. In 2012, he moved to Washington State, where he lived until his passing in Tacoma on September 21, 2025, at the age of 49.

Dusty was married twice. His first marriage to Diony Camacho brought him his first son, Dionisio “Dion” Dylan Chandler Carter. He was very proud of the man Dion—whom he called Dylan—had become. Later, he welcomed a daughter, Gillian Ann Carter Almendrales, with Audry Fillop Slappy. Gillian and her husband, Jonatan, have a son, Enzo. Dusty was proud of Gillian’s progress and was looking forward to spending time with her and his grandson before his life was cut short.

In 2012, Dusty married Ashley Patricia Taylor, whom he loved deeply. Together, they had three children: Asher Edward (11), Hunter McKinlie (7), and James Edward Castiel “Cas” (4).

Dusty was a son, a brother, a father—a man whose life reflected both deep love and deep pain. In his early twenties, he worked long hours at a printing and magazine factory, where exposure to industrial chemicals left lasting effects on his health. The damage affected his mind and body in ways that changed the course of his life. Though this challenge made his path harder, it also revealed his quiet courage and his ability to keep moving forward, even when the road was steep. Those who loved him understood that many of his struggles came not from weakness, but from the effects of toxic exposure. He was humble at his core and had the greatest desire to fix what he had broken. He wanted people to love him—and to know that he loved them.

His sisters, Calyn and Allison, loved him fiercely and unconditionally. He had a strong bond with his father, sharing both love and struggle, and that loyalty ran deep even when life’s paths grew complicated. Though Dusty wrestled with his own demons, he never stopped believing in the possibility of grace and forgiveness—for himself and for others. He was a “mama’s boy” through and through, even bragging about it on social media. He deeply loved each of his children and made sacrifices for them that they may never know or understand. Despite his struggles, those who knew him best saw the tenderness, loyalty, and pain behind his tough exterior.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Carter, and is survived by his mother, Rebecca; his sisters, Calyn (Daren Holdaway) and Allison (Brandon Jepsen); his wife, Ashley; his children, Dylan, Gillian (Jonatan), Asher, Hunter, and Cas; his grandson, Enzo; and many nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 11th, at 4:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 34 Mormon Lane, Georgetown, SC 29440. A visitation will begin at 3:00 PM.

Those wishing to honor Dusty’s memory may do so by supporting addiction recovery programs, homeless outreach efforts, or mental health advocacy—in the hope that others might find the healing he sought but never found. Additionally, you may help his family directly by contributing to the memorial fund established to help cover service expenses and provide stability for his children as they heal.

Donations may be made through GoFundMe.