Obituary for Dale Smith
William Dale Smith, 76 of Demopolis, Alabama passed away peacefully at home on May
13, 2023 surrounded by his loving daughter and wife of 52 years.
Dale was born on February 19, 1947 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to William Eugene Smith and Verna McCary Smith of Randolph, Alabama. He was a loving and faithful brother to his sister Gayle Smith Ulmer. Dale moved from Bibb County to Demopolis when he was fourteen. He was a 1967 graduate of Uniontown High School. After high school Dale joined the United States Army and spent two years in Vietnam. He served his country from 1967-1971 where he achieved the rank of sergeant. His military decorations include National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Metal with 4 Bronze Service Stars and the Vietnam Compaign Metal with Device 60. His favorite military memories were ones during the time served at Fort Carson, Colorado. He left the Army to attend Livingston University where he met his future wife, Joy. Dale and Joy were married on August 14, 1971.
In 1972 Dale went to work for Greene County Steam Plant. He was a dedicated employee for thirty years retiring at 55 years old. Dale started volunteer coaching at the age of 19 with city league baseball and continued on with Demopolis Academy where he coached football, baseball, girls basketball and softball. It is no secret that the young men and women he coached through the years held a very special place in his heart. Dale always loved to cook and grill. He was a certified Memphis in May BBQ judge. He later in the years formed a love for baking. He loved to bake birthday cake for his friends. Dale truly took joy in making others happy and lifting them up. Whether it was through coaching or feeding people he loved, his nature was that of a greatful servant. Dale was a faithful and devoted member of The First United Methodist Church of Demopolis.
He is survived by his wife Joy E. Smith, daughter Erica Gully (Ben Mayton), son in love Scott Parten, grandson William Gully, grandsons in love Charlie and Carson Parten. Also survived by Brother in Law J Paul Ellis (Ileana), Nephew Sam Ulmer (Heather), great nieces Jade and Savannah Ulmer, and great nephew Gus Ulmer.
He is proceded in death by his father William Eugene Smith, mother Verna McCary Smith and sister Gail Smith Ulmer.
A memorial service for William Dale Smith will be held Tuesday May 16, 2023 at First United Methodist Church of Demopolis, AL. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. Service will begin at 11:00 a.m.
Honorary Pallbearers are The Lunch Group and Spouses, Friday Night Group, Kevin and Debbie Brown, Danny and Rita Harless, John Mize, and Steve Knight, the DCH 4th floor nurses, Comfort Care and Southern Care Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church Demopolis, Children's Ministries..
Arrangements by O'Bryant Chapel Funeral Home and Crematory
13, 2023 surrounded by his loving daughter and wife of 52 years.
Dale was born on February 19, 1947 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to William Eugene Smith and Verna McCary Smith of Randolph, Alabama. He was a loving and faithful brother to his sister Gayle Smith Ulmer. Dale moved from Bibb County to Demopolis when he was fourteen. He was a 1967 graduate of Uniontown High School. After high school Dale joined the United States Army and spent two years in Vietnam. He served his country from 1967-1971 where he achieved the rank of sergeant. His military decorations include National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Metal with 4 Bronze Service Stars and the Vietnam Compaign Metal with Device 60. His favorite military memories were ones during the time served at Fort Carson, Colorado. He left the Army to attend Livingston University where he met his future wife, Joy. Dale and Joy were married on August 14, 1971.
In 1972 Dale went to work for Greene County Steam Plant. He was a dedicated employee for thirty years retiring at 55 years old. Dale started volunteer coaching at the age of 19 with city league baseball and continued on with Demopolis Academy where he coached football, baseball, girls basketball and softball. It is no secret that the young men and women he coached through the years held a very special place in his heart. Dale always loved to cook and grill. He was a certified Memphis in May BBQ judge. He later in the years formed a love for baking. He loved to bake birthday cake for his friends. Dale truly took joy in making others happy and lifting them up. Whether it was through coaching or feeding people he loved, his nature was that of a greatful servant. Dale was a faithful and devoted member of The First United Methodist Church of Demopolis.
He is survived by his wife Joy E. Smith, daughter Erica Gully (Ben Mayton), son in love Scott Parten, grandson William Gully, grandsons in love Charlie and Carson Parten. Also survived by Brother in Law J Paul Ellis (Ileana), Nephew Sam Ulmer (Heather), great nieces Jade and Savannah Ulmer, and great nephew Gus Ulmer.
He is proceded in death by his father William Eugene Smith, mother Verna McCary Smith and sister Gail Smith Ulmer.
A memorial service for William Dale Smith will be held Tuesday May 16, 2023 at First United Methodist Church of Demopolis, AL. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. Service will begin at 11:00 a.m.
Honorary Pallbearers are The Lunch Group and Spouses, Friday Night Group, Kevin and Debbie Brown, Danny and Rita Harless, John Mize, and Steve Knight, the DCH 4th floor nurses, Comfort Care and Southern Care Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church Demopolis, Children's Ministries..
Arrangements by O'Bryant Chapel Funeral Home and Crematory