Dale Mathews passed to Eternal Life in Heaven, June 28, 2024. Left behind are his wife of almost 35 years Angela, and seven children: Dora, Michael (Susan, deceased), Bill Mathews (Tammy); Sherry Parrish (Jarrod), Jill Mellown (Danny Tate); Tracy and Gray Hamlin (Misty Brown); 14 grandchildren; Heather Campbell (Julie, great-grandchild-Owynn); Jennifer Cooper (deceased) great grandchild - Hailey Motes, great great grandchildren, Sadie Paige Motes, SJ (Shawn Jr.) Motes, Dawson Motes, coming soon Colt Motes; Michelle Mathews, great grandchildren - Reagan and Preston; Jack Mathews, Gabriel Mathews, Austin Willoughby, Amber Willoughby; Reed Parrish, Aiden Parris, Jaydon Mellown (Kasey, great grandchild Brodie); McKenzie Mellown, Trevor Mellown, Davis Mellown, Samuel Mellown.
Born in Warrior, Alabama to John William Mathews and Lillie Mae Young Mathews, Dale was the youngest of five. Siblings were Harlan Mathews - (Former U.S. Senator from Tennessee) (Pat); Jack Mathews (Julie); Faye Ward (Roy); Ellen Eulene Jones (Milford). Dale was a good student, athlete, and worker. At Leeds High School he played baseball, football, and ran track. He worked before and after school and achieved the Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts. Following graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was in charge of the Print Shop for the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet.
His first marriage to Celia Williams took place before his 4-year enlistment ended. Their children are Dora, Michael, and Bill Mathews.
Dale was employed at Universal Atlas Cement in Leeds where he progressed from laboror to Superintendent. With encouragement from management, he attended classes at night, graduating college with a 3.997 average.
In a second marriage to Tessie Cade two daughters, Sherry Parrish (Jarrod) and Jill Mellown (Danny Tate) were born.
Universal Atlas Cement changed ownership several times with Dale being promoted from Plant Manager to Operations Manager.
Then in 1989 Dale married Angela Dorrough Hamlin who had a daughter Tracy and son Gary Hamlin. Following a move to Georgia, Dale managed the Atlanta plant, growing business there to become the most profitable plant of its size. In 1993 he was transferred back to Alabama to take over a large plant renovations project.
In 2000, after 41 years in the cement business, Dale retired. He and Angie joined Meadow Brook Baptist Church where they remain members.
Dale researched genealogy and held family reunions encouraging relatives to become better acquainted. He was a dedicated Alabama football fan and enjoyed Atlanta Braves baseball. Seeing his grandchildren pursue various activities brought him pleasure.
After several health setbacks, Dale was diagnosed with Parkinson's, which slowed him physically but not intellectually. Being around his family and church family were important to him.
He will be missed so much by his loved ones.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday July 2, 2024 at 11:00AM from the Chapel of Kilgroe Funeral Home in Leeds, Alabama. Burial will be at Cedar Grove Cemetery.
Pallbearers are his grandsons.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.11.1