Thomas M. Dale, Sr.

Tom was born on February 26, 1950 in Washington, DC. and spent the majority of his life in Bowie, Maryland. He graduated from Bowie High School and was drafted, serving in the Army for three years including a tour in Viet Nam. He was honorably discharged in 1972.

He worked for Giant Food for almost 30 years, starting off as a security guard and working his way up to District Security Superintendent. Over the course of his career he worked in dozens of districts and was responsible for hundreds of stores. When he worked nights he oversaw every store in the entire chain. During this time he earned his Associates degree from Prince George’s Community College. He was a well respected member of the law enforcement community.

Tom was a very active and proud member of the Maryland Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV).

Tom’s many hobbies and interests included history, antiquing, guns, and cars - he loved going to car shows. He recently took up forging knives and as with all his interests - gave it his all. He was very proud of the knives and sheaths he made, and enjoyed selling them and giving them as gifts. One of his biggest passions was Christmas. He loved decorating and collecting vintage Christmas memorabilia, especially Santas. Tom was a real-life Santa Claus himself - he relished playing the role and bringing joy to children and adults alongside his devoted Mrs. Claus, his wife Sheryl.

But Tom’s greatest passion in life was his family. His most important and cherished roles were a loving and devoted Husband, Dad and Grandad. He was never happier than when he was in the presence of his children and their families. He is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Sheryl Dale (nee Godwin), his 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren: Thomas Dale Jr. (Nikki), Timothy Dale (Sandy), Christina Shaak (Steve), Theresa Heilig (Steve), Joseph Dale (Jillian Sheets), Franki and Jordyn Dale, Amber Roten (Justin), Ashley Hodges (Jacob), Alexandra Thompson (Trent), Braddock and Timothy Dale Jr., Stevie and Tyler Shaak, Nicholas and Nathan Heilig, Sofia and Ozzy Dale, Abby-Rose, Aidan, and Aniston Roten, Maverick Hodges, Evelyn, Elsie and Oliver Thompson. He will be remembered fondly and missed by his extended family of cousins and many loving friends who considered him their family as well.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Evans Funeral Home at 16000 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD. A private, immediate-family only viewing will be held prior to the visitation for the public.

Public visitation for friends will begin at 12:30 pm, followed by the service which will begin at 2:00pm.

For those unable to attend in person, there will be an opportunity to attend virtually by invitation only.