Dale Ronald Smith

Dale Ronald Smith, 84, of Hughesville, passed away on Feb. 4, 2015, in Wilmington, N.C., of complications from heart disease. Dale survived his disease for many years, surprising everyone with his comeback spirit. He never met a stranger, but was happiest with his family, friends and his Tri-Ten buddies.

Dale’s life of Christian faith, kindness, humor and unselfishness will be his legacy to those whose lives he has touched. He blessed his “girls” with his gentle lessons of nature, car care, weather alertness and love. His quick wit, helping hand, easy smile and storytelling will be greatly missed.

Dale was the son of the late Emanuel and Ruth Smith. He was born on June 22, 1930, in Coal City, Ill., but moved to Hughesville in 1939. He graduated from Hughesville High School, class of 1948, then after short careers in sales and banking, he spent his professional career at Sprout-Waldron, and its successor companies, in business positions retiring as credit manager.

The most significant influence in his life came from his marriage to his beloved Sylvia Rogers in 1951. Together they raised two daughters, created loving homes, danced to Big Band music, enjoyed many domestic and international trips with Sylvia’s two brothers and spouses, became “snow birds” in later years and once camped across the U.S., making new friends, fishing and laughing.

Dale was a charter member of the Tri-Ten hunting club, a member of the Muncy Lodge No. 299 F. & A. M., a 50-year plus member of the Valley of Williamsport Consistory, a willing participant in many community services, including being an original board member of the RJ Patrizio Pool in Muncy and an active member of Christ United Methodist Church in Hughesville.

He is survived by his wife, Sylvia; and two daughters, Kathryn Hart (Joseph), of Raleigh, N.C., and Sandra Smith, of Ithaca, N.Y. Also surviving him are his granddaughter, Lindsey Kahler (fiance, Michael Hollingsworth); and step-granddaughter Jennifer Jay (Chad); along with great-grandchildren, Ryder and Delaney Jay, all of Raleigh, N.C. His sister, June Gnau, of Hughesville, survives him; along with his brothers-in-law and spouses, Richard and Helen Rogers, of El Dorado Hills, Calif., and James and Annabelle Rogers, of Laporte. Dale is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in the sanctuary of Christ United Methodist Church, 148 S. Main St., Hughesville, with Pastor Jane L. O’Borski officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Hughesville. A visitation reception will follow in the social hall of Christ United Methodist Church.

The family will provide the flowers and suggest memorial contributions to the American Heart Association, Northeastern PA District, P.O. Box 15120, Chicago, Illinois, 60693, or the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, Hughesville.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.mccartythomas.com.