Dale Smith, age 84 of Brandon, FL., passed away peacefully on Friday, May 2nd at TGH hospital in the loving arms of his family.
Dale was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Viola Smith, as well as two of his sisters, Audrey TeCulver (Hank) and Marjorie Perdue (Halsey). He is survived by his wife of 36 wonderful years of marriage, Viki Kasper Smith, four children, Todd (Barbie Bawgus), Cheryl Lakin, Jenna Swalec and Austin; three grandchildren, Christian (Haley), Trevor Lakin and Keelia Lakin; two sisters, Ellen Jones (Glen) and Debbie Lopez; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
In Loving Memory of Dale
Dale was born in Bear Lake, Pennsylvania and spent his early years in New York and Pennsylvania, working alongside his parents on the family farm. At 16, his family moved to Florida — a place Dale would call home for the rest of his life. There, he and his first wife, Liz raised their two children, Todd and Cheryl, and built a life grounded in hard work.
A self-made man, Dale ran his own concrete and home remodeling business for many years. He was a proud craftsman, known not only for the work of his hands but also for the strength of his character. Outside of work, he loved grilling, gardening, cheering on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and college football, and most of all, spending time with family and friends.
Later in life, Dale and his second wife Viki welcomed their son Austin into the world. In 2001, the family moved to Brandon, Florida to be closer to Dale’s mother and extended family. There, Dale and Viki found a calling in service, becoming active members of THORN Ministries (Thankfully Helping Others Real Needs), a grassroots outreach organization dedicated to helping the homeless. Together with others, they have helped feed tens of thousands of people in need — a mission Dale took to heart by cleaning the mess of their kitchen each Sunday after Viki prepared enormous amounts of food to share!
Dale’s faith deepened in his later years through his involvement with Nativity Catholic Church and the Nativity Emmaus community. His devotion was evident in quiet acts of prayer, regular Confession, and even the building of a Mary grotto in his backyard — a space of peace and reflection.
Though Parkinson’s slowed him in recent years, Dale remained a steady, loving presence. He found joy in simple pleasures: watching NCIS and M*A*S*H*, eating blueberry pancakes, observing his beloved pups Bella and Izzy, and Tucker (the "catdog") play, and being surrounded by family and his children including his daughter Jenna, the cherished “surprise” addition to the family.
Dale was a humble, gentle man with a wry sense of humor and a deep love for his country. Quiet in demeanor but generous in spirit, he touched many lives with his strength and kind heart. In his final weeks, he took to often saying, “I love you forever and a day” — a phrase that will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Dale is now at peace, fully restored in the arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
We love you, Dale… forever and a day.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 14th, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Southern Funeral Care (10510 Riverview Drive, Riverview), with the final half hour reserved for prayers and the rosary.
The Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, May 15th, at 9:00 a.m. at Nativity Catholic Church (705 E. Brandon Blvd, Brandon), followed by the Committal Service at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery (E. Sligh Avenue, Seffner). A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at noon at the Brandon Elks Lodge in Brandon, FL
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Previous Events
Visitation
14
May
10510 Riverview Drive
Riverview, FL 33578
Funeral Mass
15
May
705 East Brandon Blvd.
Brandon, FL 33511
Celebration of Life Service
15
May
800 Centennial Lodge Drive
Brandon, FL 33510
Cemetery Details
Location
10668 E. Sligh Avenue
Seffner, FL 33584
