Rev. Richard Darryl Dale

Richard Darryl Dale, 81, of Flowery Branch, GA went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 4, 2021 following a battle with pneumonia. Darryl was born on May 4, 1939 in Gainesville, GA to Elbert Clarence Dale and Amanda Ward Dale. He grew up in the New Holland Mill village until his family relocated to northern Hall County. Darryl graduated from Riverbend High School in 1957 and served in the United States Navy onboard the USS Saratoga. After his honorable discharge, he was employed at New Holland Textile Plant, Leece-Neville, Life of Virginia Insurance Company, and the Southern Bell Telephone Company. He went on to earn two Associates Degrees from what was formerly known as Gainesville Junior College in Oakwood, GA. Darryl was called into the ministry and licensed to preach in 1967. He was later ordained and served as pastor of Springway Baptist Church in Gainesville, GA, Nicholson Baptist Church in Nicholson, GA, New Bridge Baptist Church in Gainesville, GA, Friendship Baptist Church in Buford, GA, and Woods Grove Baptist Church in Young Harris, GA. In addition to serving as a pastor, he also served as a volunteer chaplain with the Northeast Georgia Medical Center, the Towns County Sheriff’s Department, the Gainesville City Police Department, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. After retirement, Darryl was an active member of Ivy Creek Baptist Church in Buford, GA. Darryl married the love of his life, Gloria Maurice “Reecie” Presley Dale in 1960. They had two sons, Charles “Chuck” Richard Dale, and Craig Darryl Dale. Darryl’s son, Chuck married Barbara Nelson Dale and they had four children, Ashely Dale Ortiz, Cameron Charles Dale, Caleb Ryan Dale, and Caissen Richard Dale. Darryl’s son, Craig married Caroline Day Dale and they also had four children, Presley Grace Dale, Maggie Kate Dale, Chloe Reece Dale, and Charlie Maxwell Dale. In addition to his eight grandchildren, Darryl also was blessed with three great-grandchildren, Peyton Ortiz, Amanda Ortiz, and Preston Ortiz. Darryl is survived by his wife, Reecie, his son, Craig, his daughter-in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his sister-in-law, Elaine Presley Greene, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and countless friends. Darryl was preceded in death by his son, Chuck, his parents, and his brothers and sisters, E.C. Dale, Jr., Katherine Dale Hamilton, A.J. Dale, Willie Fern Dale Cagle. A small, private family graveside service will be held January 6, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at the New Bridge Baptist Church Cemetary, 3120 Cleveland Highway, Gainesville, GA 30506 with a larger celebration of life to be held at a later date. There will be no public visitation at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor Darryl’s memory can donate to Ivy Creek Baptist Church designated for the Building Fund. The address is P.O. Box 2344, Buford, GA 30515.

Rev. Richard Darryl Dale

May 4, 1939 - January 4, 2021