Howard Chris Dale

Howard “Chris” Dale, 69, of Clemmons, North Carolina, formerly of Bluewell, West Virginia, passed away on April 26, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Mila Dale of McDowell County, West Virginia, and his brother and sister-in-law, Allen and Peggy Dale of Sandlick, West Virginia.

Chris was born on December 30, 1956. He was a graduate of Northfork High School and Bluefield State College. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He was deeply patriotic, yet never afraid to speak his mind, stand up for justice, and advocate for what he believed was right.

His strong work ethic began at a young age, delivering the Welch Daily News. Later, while attending Bluefield State, he continued delivering newspapers for the Bluefield Daily Telegraph to help support himself through college.

He began his career at Deskins in Welch, where he worked his way up to assistant manager at the Brushfork location. Ready for a new chapter, Chris moved to North Carolina to join his sister in the Tar Heel State—though his heart always remained in West Virginia as a proud Mountaineer. There, he began a new career with Kroger.

During this time, he married the love of his life, Sue, with whom he shared 32 wonderful years of marriage.

Even after retiring from work, Chris never lost his sense of purpose. He dedicated his time to serving others—volunteering with veterans, the VFW, and helping with church meals and community events. He was always ready to lend a helping hand or perform a quiet act of kindness. Simply put, helping others was his mission, and he lived each day striving to follow the example of “What Would Jesus Do.”

Chris found great comfort and fellowship in his church family at Westside Baptist Church, led by Pastor Christa, whom he loved dearly. His church became a true source of strength and belonging.

He also had a deep love for sports, especially baseball, and enjoyed following games and sharing that passion with others.

Above all, Chris will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, stepfather, step-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, great-uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend.

He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Sue Dale; his stepson, David Vanover; and three step-grandsons, Kaleb Vanover and his significant other, Ashlee, Kyle Vanover and his wife, April, and Chance Vanover and his wife, Amaya. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Rial and husband Jose of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; his brother, Larry Dale and wife Tammy Dorsey Dale of Keyser, West Virginia; and his nieces and nephew: Angela Dale and husband Steven, Larry Dale and wife Alicia, Ashley Holliday and husband Steven, Stella Fetters and husband Scott, Melissa Jennings and husband Steve.

Chris also leaves behind three great-nieces, Sophia, Chloe, and Charlotte, and two great-nephews, Marshall and Daniel.

Funeral Services will be conducted 2:00 PM Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home with Reverend Steve White and Rev. Christa Warise officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park where family will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until the time of service.

Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is serving the Dale family.