When Dwight and Carolyn Hunsicker relocated to Myrtle Beach in 2020, they weren’t simply chasing sunshine and sea breezes—they were embracing a new chapter rooted in family, community, and adventure. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, the Hunsickers have built a life filled with love, purpose, and plenty of joyful activity along the Grand Strand.

 

Married while still in college—Dwight at Vanderbilt University and Carolyn at the University of West Florida—the two have journeyed through decades of change side by side. Dwight’s career began in the skies, serving over seven years as a U.S. Navy pilot before transitioning into corporate leadership roles, eventually founding and leading a satellite telecommunications business. Carolyn’s path led her from teaching music to becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, now offering intensive couples counseling sessions designed to help partners rediscover connection and grace.

 

After raising their children in central Maryland for more than three decades, the couple decided to make Myrtle Beach their permanent home—an easy choice after years of enjoying their vacation home in Grande Dunes. “The combination of pleasant weather, easy access to the beach, and plentiful golf was unbeatable,” Dwight says with a smile.

 

Family remains at the center of everything for the Hunsickers. Their son, Adam, runs his own digital media and marketing firm, while daughter-in-law Nicole has been shaping young minds as a beloved kindergarten teacher for over 20 years. Their daughter, Laura, followed her lifelong passion for healthcare and now works with Uncommon Cures, conducting clinical trials for rare childhood diseases. Her husband, Tyler, is a cybersecurity expert with Raytheon Technologies.

 

Their four grandchildren—Carson (16), Brody (14), Josephine (9), and Wyatt (5)—bring constant joy. Carson is an avid golfer on his high school team, while Brody has found his place on stage, most recently performing as the Artful Dodger in Oliver! Josephine juggles soccer and volleyball with equal enthusiasm, and little Wyatt dreams of following in his “Pappy’s” footsteps as a Navy pilot. “Their names—Carson, Brody, Josie, and Wyatt—sound like a Wild West cast,” Carolyn laughs. “They keep us endlessly entertained!”

 

While they miss being close to their kids and grandkids full-time, the couple keeps their promise to return to Maryland regularly, spending extended visits at their children’s homes. “Our kids asked that we be present—to really do life together,” Dwight shares. “It’s paid off in the most beautiful way.”

 

Myrtle Beach has been a natural fit for the couple, who love long walks on the sand, early morning golf outings, and evenings with friends. Their favorite restaurant is Ciao, where owners Claudia and Eugene make them feel like family, and where, according to Dwight, “Vara makes the best cocktails on the planet!”

 

The Hunsickers are also passionate about giving back. Every week, they host a small group Bible study in their home, fostering spiritual growth and connection among neighbors. They also participate in local outreach efforts—handing out sandwiches and water to those in need and coordinating holiday drives that provide Walmart gift cards and stocking stuffers for local students. “It’s humbling,” Carolyn says, “to see how small gestures can make such a big impact.”

 

Even in retirement, Dwight stays busy—his entrepreneurial drive as strong as ever. After hanging up his captain’s hat at American Airlines at age 65, he turned his attention to one of Myrtle Beach’s favorite pastimes: pickleball. Noticing a need for a premier indoor/outdoor facility, he’s been channeling his passion for the sport and his business experience into creating a top-tier community hub. Carolyn, meanwhile, continues her counseling work and enjoys cooking, playing her piano, golf, and, of course, pickleball right alongside her husband.

 

Their secret to a happy marriage and fulfilling life? A shared sense of adventure and an unshakable commitment to each other. “From photographing a high school halftime show to now traveling the world together, we’ve always just known we were meant to be,” Carolyn reflects.

 

Between them, Dwight and Carolyn have traveled to all 50 states and dozens of countries—Dwight to 60 across six continents, Carolyn to 27 and counting. Yet, despite their global adventures, they agree there’s no place quite like home. “We love buzzing around the neighborhood on our golf cart, especially when the grandkids visit,” Dwight says. “Our friends, our family, our community—it’s everything we hoped retirement would be.”

 

The Hunsickers embody what it means to live fully rooted in love, faith, and a sense of purpose that extends far beyond themselves. Whether serving in the community, exploring a new corner of the world, or watching their grandchildren chase their dreams, they remind us that a well-lived life is not about where you are, but who you share it with.