Born in Birmingham, Alabama on December 17, 1944, Dwight Key Carmichael, Sr. was the son of the late Johnny Harry, Sr. and Rutha Mae Carmichael. He was affectionately known as "Mike", Mr. C., Coach and Carmichael. Dwight Key Carmichael, Sr., of Arlington, VA passed away unexpectedly at the age of 75, on Tuesday, April 21, 2020. Preceding him in death was his sister, Brenda Lee and his daughter, Rosalind Cole and grandson, Gregory Cole.

Carmichael attended Jefferson County Schools in Alabama until 1953, when his family moved to Virginia. He attended various Arlington County Schools, Langston Elementary, Hoffman Boston, Stratford Junior High before graduating from Washington-Lee High School.

A man of strong character, Carmichael had an unyielding work ethic which started at an early age as a Boy Scout in the "Panther Patrol" Unit #6 of Halls Hill. From 1958-1962 he worked as a Halls Hill paper boy delivering the Washington Daily News and the Washington Evening Star. He was also employed at Arlington Hospital and National Orthopedic Hospital. In 1965, he started working at the Pentagon for the Department of Defense, DSSW Shipping and Receiving until he retired in March 1997.

He was baptized at Calloway United Methodist Church at an early age. In 1986 he joined Mt Olive Baptist Church in Arlington, Virginia.

In 1963, Dwight was united in holy matrimony to the former Vickey Ferrell of Winchester, Virginia. From this union, three beloved children were born, Reginald, Dwight Jr. and Tawanna.

Carmichael had a quiet and humble demeanor which makes it whimsical as he was known as the life of the party. His smile lit up a room. He was a gentle soul who never complained. He was known for his quick wit, infectious smile and a kind, compassionate spirit. He had a warm, calming, engaging presence. His humor, selflessness and kindness will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dwight had a passion for sports. His favorite teams were the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Lakers. He knew all the stats, kept up with the players and always knew the score. Baseball was his legacy as his father played in the Negro Baseball League in Alabama as a pitcher. Dwight joined the Halls Hill White Sox in 1964 as their catcher and outfielder. In the early 70's he coached the Halls Hill Women's Softball Team for a few years and led them to a Championship Game. He continued his baseball career as a pitcher and catcher for the High View Park Men's Softball Team. While attending Washington-Lee High School he starred on the JV and Varsity football teams.

Dwight was an avid reader. He was adamant about reading the newspaper on a daily basis. He shared his knowledge of what was going on in the world at the dinner table with everyone, continuing a long family tradition. He also read the dictionary and the encyclopedia when the teachers didn't assign any homework. He was a connoisseur of great soul food, cooking delicious food at home and throwing down on the barbecue grill. He was a member of the Falcons Boys Club which his parents started in Arlington to expose the young men to etiquette, community service and a world beyond the neighborhood.
He was also a member of two former organizations: High View Park Gents and The Seven Gentlemen. Carmichael loved hanging out with his "partners" in the neighborhood and at work. These lifelong friends were the ace boons in his life.

In 1989, Dwight was united in holy matrimony to the former Yvonne Brooks Cole of Washington, D.C.

Dwight leaves to cherish his memories a devoted wife, Yvonne of thirty-one years, his sons, Reginald (Reggie) Carmichael and Dwight Carmichael, Jr. (Tameas), Antonio (Tony) Cole ; his daughters, Marilynn Cole and Tawanna Tillman (Ed); Eleven grandchildren, Julian, Nadia and Aliyah Tillman, Jasmine and Jaquavius Raindrop, Anthony, Antonio, Carlos, Lalita and Toni Cole; fourteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Johnny Carmichael, Jr.; his sisters, Lessie Carmichael-Dew (Jack), Rosemarie Carmichael O'Brien (Mark), Yvonne Carmichael, and brother-in-law, Sylvester Lee, goddaughter Marquita Carmichael Carruthers. And a host of relatives and friends.