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Buddy Dial Obituary
Dial, who had been hospitalized recently for treatment of cancer and pneumonia, died Friday in a Houston hospital. The Steelers confirmed his death.
Dial played in the NFL for eight years - with the Steelers from 1959-63 and the Cowboys from 1964-66. He still holds the second-highest per catch average in NFL history at 20.8 yards. In 1963, he caught 60 passes for 1,295 yards and nine touchdowns.
Dial was born in Ponca City, Okla., and played at Rice. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992 and the National High School Hall of Fame in 2002.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
43 Entries
December 23, 2023
I missed watching him play , but my cousin played against him . My cousin played for Iola Texas and he played for Magnolia Texas , Bulldogs against Bulldogs .My cousin had nothing but praise for him , saying you had to tackle him before he caught the ball or it was a touchdown . My cousin after high school played for Army , a lot of talent in those small Texas Towns
David Reynolds
June 8, 2021
I grew up listening to his music. My father played bass with him. Ive got a master 45 made of steel coated with vinyl of the song 'She is Mine' . Ive had that my entire life. Youd swear it was the Beetles. I thought it was strange because dad was considered an R&B musician. I remember Buddy as being incredibly friendly and the general mood when he was around was upbeat and happy. I hadnt seen Buddy since i was very young but i remember riding on his shoulders and trying to tackle him in which a penalty was called for my hitting below his waist with my helmet. He had to take a knee. I tackled Buddy Dial! I have looked countless times online for the song She Is Mine but couldnt find it. I made an attempt years ago to contact Buddy but had no luck. I hate to hear of his passing. I know my family was very fond of him.
Wendy Steele
December 7, 2019
I remember as a child I was asked by a peer if "Buddy Dial was my Uncle " i was so proud to say YES. I'm still proud.
Leslie Jurjurian Ramsey Allen
September 10, 2017
I remember meeting Buddy in 1973. I was a clerk in a pharmacy in North Dallas Forest Lane. He was always sweet and very polite but, I now understand his pain. I was 19. After getting involved in athletics and pushing myself to what I needed to do for the team despite the pain I understand him so much more. God bless him. He was always a gentleman.
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Rev. Robert Walden
June 21, 2015
I grew up attending the Magnolia School District and heard many wonderful things about him during those years in school. After growing up I became an Ordained Minister with the Assemblies of God. In the 1980's I worked for the Tomball Post Office and he lived on my mail route. One day as I was putting his mail in the box, he rushed out to the box and asked me if I could come in the house and pray for his mom who had been sick and if I would pray for him as well. I did and I made a wonderful friend that day. From that day on he met me at box many times and we talked about his football days and his ministry in the NFL. But the main thing I remember was his love of God. He was a very special man.
Teri Coleman
October 12, 2014
I realize its many several years since Buddy passed, but wanted you to know, I cared for him many times at the hospital. As sick as he was, he never complained. He had ever right to though, because we were always probing and prodding him for treatment. What a pleasant person he was and I am proud to say I knew him.
Wayne Warner
November 16, 2013
I met Buddy Dial through his pastor Virgil Griner in Tomball. I never met him personally but did correspond in 1998. He autographed his photo as a Cowboy. Info I have read says he brought devotions to the NFL while playing for the Steelers. And when he came to Dallas Tom Landry asked him to start devotions for the Cowboys. Unfortunately, injuries kept him from showing Cowboy fans what he could do while 100%. He wrote on his photo: "May God bless Wayne. Your friend, Buddy Dial."
Juan Lopez
September 28, 2012
Have an old magazine article of this gentelman amazing football player.
Bruce Baker
August 5, 2011
A friend of mine and I were talking about the Steelers and I told him that I had known Buddy Dial and he flipped out. I got to tell him some stories about growing with Kevin and spending the night at his house in Katy. Buddy was so fun to be around and always had a story to tell. He would ride with my Dad who was with Houston PD and he told me a few years ago when we talked, that they were Starsky & Hutch.
Man, I miss him and Kevin too.
Your father was a great football player, but he was a better man.
Rest in Peace Buddy.
Jim Cheskawich
July 1, 2011
The Steelers didn't have much in the early 1960's but they had Buddy Dial. Everyone knew if it was 4th and long that Bobby Layne was going to throw it to Buddy Dial. There were a lot of 4th and longs in those days. A great football player.
Sarah Mabry
September 25, 2010
Buddy Dial will remain a legend in Montgomery County, Texas, when high school football was dominated by the Magnolia Bulldogs in that county. I grew up in a neighboring town, Montgomery, that didn't have a football team until the late 1950's. My Dad would drive us to see Buddy and the Bulldogs play. My mother, Valerie Peel, was a school nurse in Magnolia, and she and Dad were both great fans of Buddy's. Great guy! Great times! Sarah Anne Peel Mabry
Nick Cooper
August 29, 2010
Hey David,
Not sure if you'll see this but my brother and I was thinking about you guys and decided to look you up. We were sad to here of your dad's passing. If you remember us, we lived next to you guys on Anna St. in Tomball. Your dad was so fun to be around and I remember riding motorcycles with you. If you get a chance, look me up. I'm on Facebook, I live in Waldorf, MD now. Take care.
Christian Bailey
March 5, 2010
i am a relative (descendant) of Buddy and have tried so hard to find out more about him and his family. its awful to learn that my search is a couple years too late. if anyone can help, i would appreciate it. thank you.
Cathy Davis
February 1, 2010
I meet Buddy Dial and his wonderful mother, while I was working as a cashier when I was 16 yrs. old. He was the most wonderful man I had ever meet. His mom was the cutest things showing me his football card and telling me how the sport he loved so much, was also what put him in so much pain.
I will miss both of them dearly!!!
I Love you "Buddy" Dial and Momma Dial you were the best !!!!
Garrett Hoelscher
November 7, 2009
wish i could have met him
ELLIOT RIEBMAN
May 4, 2009
Dear Buddy's son,
Your father and I as well as
my wife Geri would always reminiss over the
olden days,when football was football, iwould stand on the sidelines and just rouse Buddy!He was always my ideal, and he new it.He made me the talent that I was in football,when I played for THE University
Of Delaware,as CHAMPIONS OF OUR DIVISION.
YOUR DAD WILL ALWAYS BE MY MENTOR,AS A true
CHAMPION!Iwill always remember all of our chats at BIG ROCCOS ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND S.C.
WITH ALL OF OUR DEVOTED LOVE,
THE ORIGINAL "BIG" "E"
"NO FAME JUST A NAME!
Michael Gross
November 7, 2008
I too was saddened to hear about Buddy Dial's death, but I was also wondering about a song he recorded in the middle 60's called "Baby" that aired on KLIF and KBOX. I have looked and looked for that tune. Maybe someone would be kind enough to point me in the right direction or send it to me via email at [email protected].
Lavonne Parker
March 30, 2008
My brother played football with Buddy in Magnolia. I was still in elementry at the time, but Buddy was a hero for our town and will always be remembered. God bless.
Richie Brittain
March 10, 2008
David,
I am sorry for the passing of your dad, I know he is now in a better place and pain free. One thing in looking at his picture is he marked you pretty good. I hope you and your's are doing well. Richie
JANICE LEVERETT
March 9, 2008
To The Family he was a great man.He alsowas a wonderful footballplayer.He will be greatly missed. God Be With The Family.
Jen Altemose
March 9, 2008
May Buddy join the other Dallas Cowboys who may be on God football feild.
Robert Hanway
March 9, 2008
I am sorry for your loss. Mr. Dial was a terrific receiver who used to give the old Cleveland Browns fits. From what I've read about him, he was a pretty terrific man. May his legacy endure, and may you find his peace here too.
Jim Presley
March 9, 2008
You made Magnolia proud.
Cecil Groves
March 8, 2008
Buddy was an exceptional and inspiring athlete and person. It was my privilege to know and play sports (football in particular) with Buddy both in high school and college. His exceptional athletic ability was both the result of God-given physical attributes and "very, very hard work." Buddy was always willing to share with others and brought a sense of joy, fun and excitement to his teammates. I will always remember Buddy as a great friend and teammate who I highly respected and admired. He will be missed but never forgotten!!
Al Eriksson
March 8, 2008
Another Steeler joins
gods team
Harry Simpson
March 7, 2008
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Paul Tannehill
March 7, 2008
I remember Buddy during the last years of his football career as a faithful member of First Baptist Church in downtown Dallas. He had a very good singing voice.
RICARDO WATKINS
March 7, 2008
STEELERS FOREVER REST IN PEACE TO ONE OF THE BEST.
Angela Mason
March 7, 2008
"Anybody who played for the Cowboys will truly be missed. May God bless your family during this very difficult time."
Harlan Hoelscher
March 7, 2008
He was a one of a kind uncle. Rest in peace Uncle Buddy.
Rick Euler
March 6, 2008
Until this week, there were only two wide receivers on this Earth that had averaged over 20 yards per catch for an entire career. Now, heaven has its first. Rest in peace, greatest Steeler wideout of all time.
William F. Taylor
March 6, 2008
I understand there is one heck of a football team up in Heaven!
May Heavenly Father welcome you with open arms.
Tamara Mitchell
March 6, 2008
We all love you.God Bless your family and freinds at this time . May we all remember that you are no longger ill and are back to perfect health and playing ball again in heaven.....
john hayduk
March 6, 2008
my 1st sports hero was buddy dial in 1963....I was # 84 when I played fb...he was the greatest wide receiver in steeler history in my opinion....awsome guy who will be greatly missed
DICK NEUSS
March 6, 2008
REST IN PEACE, BUDDY. I LOVED TO WATCH YOU PLAY.
Tommy Wade
March 5, 2008
I worked with Buddy when he was in the moble home business in McKinney,Texas. We had a lot of good times he was a great person and a good friend. I will miis him.
Randy Tracy
March 5, 2008
One of my earliest memories is hearing Buddy's name called as I listened to the Steeler games on the radio. The Steeler Nation mourns with all who knew him and loved him. Sympathy to family, and rest in peace.
Mike Dugan
March 5, 2008
Growing up in Indiana I remember Buddy Dial as an All American at Rice.Later Buddy played in the NFL when we tried to find his football cards.
Rest in peace Buddy!
March 5, 2008
buddy dial was a wonder ful person by all means.we all miss u man
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