Daniel James Aker

Daniel (“Danny”) James Aker, 51, of Tega Cay, South Carolina, passed away on July 31, 2020 after a valiant fight with cancer.  Danny was born on March 12, 1969 in Muskegon, Michigan to Jack Junior and Harriet “Terri” (DeBard-Badolati) Aker.  He graduated from Mona Shores High School, and then attended Baker College of Business, receiving a degree in Business Management.  Danny had a true gift for business and sales, and was a successful entrepreneur, including launching Auto Visions of America, Inc. in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Danny married Kathleen Mary Risk on April 22, 2000 at St. Mary’s Chapel in Charlotte, NC, and their beloved daughter Kayla was born in 2003.  Danny was devoted to his wonderful wife, and took great pride in actively bringing a father’s love and guidance to his daughter’s life.

Danny had a big personality, infectious smile, and his laughter could fill a room.  He was a wonderful host to gatherings of his extended family and circle of friends.  Danny had a brilliant mind for technology and home electronics, and was the family’s “gadget guy” – he enjoyed being on the leading edge of adopting new innovations and recommending the best to others.  He loved watching football, and was a diehard fan of the University of Michigan Wolverines and Detroit Lions, win or lose.  Family travel adventures in a motorhome to far-flung places were a strong interest in recent years, as well.  Danny will be fondly remembered for his love of good coffee, good food, and good company.  Danny made a real and lasting impact on those he loved and who loved him, and he will truly be missed. 

Danny is survived by his loving wife Kathleen and cherished daughter Kayla, mother-in-law Shirley Risk, and his siblings Barbara Badolati, Jill (Dave) Ray, Ann Scheibner (Bill Kampenga), David (Susan) Aker, Mark Aker (Gloria Sikkenga), Bret (Mari) Aker, Roger VanOpynen, Steven (Melodie) Risk, Sharon Schueneman, Susan Risk (Steve Gate), Michael (Betsy) Risk, Diane (Rus) Bridges, and Christine Butler.  He will be greatly missed by his many beloved  nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom he loved deeply and in whom he took a great interest.  Danny is also survived by the family’s loving dog Cookie, who is missing her best friend greatly.  Danny was preceded in death by his parents Jack Junior and Harriet “Terri” Aker, father-in-law James Risk, sisters Linda Aker VanOpynen and Marva Aker Rose, brother Jack Bryan Aker, and brothers-in-law Dan Scheibner, John Rose, and Rick Butler.

A visitation will be held on August 20, 2020 from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm at Palmetto Funeral Home Chapel with the memorial service starting at 3:00 pm.

You may view the service live by liking the Facebook page “Palmetto Funeral Group”. www.facebook.com/palmettofuneralgroup

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gastric Cancer Foundation @ gastriccancerfoundation.org.

Palmetto Funeral Home of Fort Mill is proudly serving the family of Daniel James Aker

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