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Dale Zinkeler Obituary
Mr. Zinkeler, 51, Charlotte, passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at CMC Main. Born February 12, 1957 in Akron, Ohio, Mr. Zinkeler was the son of David E. and Dorothy Zinkeler.
Visitation will be Saturday, November 1, 2008 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall with the funeral service in celebration of Dale's life beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary at South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, 8601 Bryant Farms Road, Charlotte, NC 28277 with Dr. Matthew S. Brown, Reverend Katherine Harrington and Reverend J.R. Atkinson presiding. Burial will take place at Forest Lawn East Cemetery in Matthews.
Dale, a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, loved playing golf, fishing and most importantly enjoyed the time he spent with his family. Mr. Zinkeler was employed as an Investment Executive with Ferris Baker Watts Inc.
Survivors include Dale's wife of 27 years, Terry, his two loving daughters Jennifer and Melissa, two brothers Derek Zinkeler of Seabrook Island, S.C., David L. Zinkeler and wife Denise of Hickory, N.C. and one nephew David Ryan Zinkeler of Hickory. He was preceeded in death by his father David E. Zinkeler and his mother Dorothy Zinkeler Bader.
The Zinkeler family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses at CMC Main 4th tower and the nurses at the Blumenthal Cancer Center. Memorial contributions may be made in Dale's honor to the Leukemia Society, 1247 Lake Murray Boulevard, Irmo, SC 29063.
The Zinkeler family is in the care of Heritage Funeral Home - Weddington Chapel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dale Zinkeler
Carol Irene Lanari
August 24, 2025
God rest his Beautiful Soul
April 27, 2012
Dale was my best friend in elementary school at Rama Rd. We lost touch when I moved away, but he was never forgotten. He came to a show I played at Jonathan's Jazz Cellar many years back and we had a great time reminiscing. I am sorry to hear of his leaving us way too soon. He was one of the good guys--wish I had done a better job of staying in touch...God bless you brother!...
Tim Smith (Nashville, TN)
Terry Neill Barkley
January 30, 2009
Hi Terry,
I was a good friend of Dale's at UNC-CH and I came to your wedding. I just found out about Dale's passing from my college roommate. I wanted to let you know in the time I knew him at Chapel Hill, he was a very special friend. He lived in the suite with my boyfriend and always was so funny and so positve about everything. As I read about his life I am glad to see that he had a wonderful life with you and your daughters. Please know that I feel very blessed to have known him then and to have had him as a dear friend while we were in school. You are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Terry Neill Barkley
Joy Croom
January 30, 2009
My apologies for posting so long after Dale's death, but I just found out about it in a Carolina alum mag. I knew Dale at UNC, but have not seen him since them. Regardless, he left quite an impression! He had it all - looks, wit and intelligence. I regret that I did not look him up over the years to see just how well he was doing. My sincere sympathies to his wife and daughters. He was way to young to leave you and you are far to young to be without him. Bless you all.
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Betsy McMahan
November 18, 2008
Terry, Jennifer, and "Little Lissy"-
Hello sweet ladies. I am SO Sorry. Dale was an awesome guy. Brian was incredibly devasted. Dale had stepped in as a second father to him after our mom died. I know that I can offer no words of comfort, for I first hand know how very difficult the loss of a parent, and best friend is. Just knowthat the three of you are very loved. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Should you need anything, you know how to reach me. May God bless you and help you through your difficult time. I love ya.
Pat Miller
November 14, 2008
Terry, Jennifer & Lissy,
Words cannot express the sadness and utter shock I felt when you told me that Dale had passed away. I know that he is in paradise and patiently waiting.
These stories that family and friends have written about Dale are wonderful and must fill you all with pride and wonderful memories that I hope and pray will help ease your pain. What a wonderful man he was! Know that I am hear anytime of day or night. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Terri Stewart
November 6, 2008
Dear Terry & Family,
I was a client of Dale's for many years and just found out about his passing. He will be greatly missed. His outstanding personality and positive attitude were very inspiring to me. Although I never met you, I know that you meant the world to Dale, as he spoke with joy about his family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sharon & Charlie Parkhurst
November 1, 2008
Terry....although Charlie and I had only met Dale a year ago (through Bob & Pauline) we adored him. It is very difficult to believe this has happened to such a vibrant wonderful person. We are both very sorry for the loss of this great guy. Your sadness has got to be like a huge weight. Please know that if all of us could do it....we would lift that weight. We are thinking of you and your family at this very difficult time.
Dorothy Freeman
October 31, 2008
Terry, Susan has kept us updated about Dale
and his condition. We are so very sorry. We
remember our trip from Susanfamily. We love you. The Freemans
Jan Lofland Joyner
October 31, 2008
To The Zinkeler Family
God gives us tears to wash away the pain and surrounds you with love and strength.
Terry, although I havent seen you in years, I remember you from Jr Hi school and have kept up with you through The Joyners. Dale and I went to East Meck together and Iremember how great looking he was! He was so well liked and funloving as you well know. Dale has his wings now and is flying right beside you and your girls and his spirit will forever soar! Know that you are in our thoughts.
Lynn Barbour Ferguson
October 31, 2008
My sister Cile Barbour Woodliff called today to tell me about Dale. I am so very sorry for your loss. Dale was my first real boyfriend in high school & took me to the Jr/Sr prom. I'll never forget the long hair & baby blue tux! I still have the picture in an album my Mother made for me years ago. I remember you Derek & your parents in the house near Rama Road School. My Mother still lives in Sherwood Forest & remembers him well. He was such a funny & great guy. I graduated a year before Dale but we had a lot of the same friends. We lost touch after high school. I know he'll be dearly missed & my thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Debbie Jarman
October 31, 2008
Terry, Jennifer, and Melissa, I was heartbroken when I heard Dale lost his triumphant fight. He was so positive about his recovery.
He spoke of you all so often with such true love. You three were the light of his life.
He was such a dear friend of mine and my father's (Ernie). He will be missed by anyone who was blessed to know him. I thank God for having had the pleasure of having him in my life and I am comforted to know He has taken Dale into his care and your sweet husband and father will never again know pain.
Derek Zinkeler
October 31, 2008
I just want everyone to know how deeply I am saddened by the loss of my brother and what he mean't to me. Growing up Dale taught me how to play baseball and football. When I started little league and played in high school he was always there to support me. When I gained a passion for music he was the one my parents had take me to my first concerts. Dale taught me to have a good time and enjoy life. I am so proud of the father he was to Jennifer and Melissa and what fine adults they have grown to become. I want to thank Terry for being such a great and supportive wife to Dale over the years. Your'e the best Terry. Dale didn't just go through life he lived it. This was shown to me a few years ago when he found a love for motorcycling. A few years ago I took Dale fishing to get him involved in my passion for inshore fishing. Dale caught his first redfish that day and the look on his face of joy says everything. I want everyone to tell stories this weekend that we might not otherwise know about such a fun and loving person. Tell those around you ,you love them and what they mean to you. Thanks Dale for always being there for me.
Mike & Marty McKenzie
October 31, 2008
Terry, Jennifer & Lissie, Mike & I were shocked when we heard the news about Dale. We missed you all greatly as neighbors when you moved and I regret now that we didn't keep in touch when you moved. Please Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your girls. I know he loved you three more than anything!
Jimmy &Trish Ogburn
October 31, 2008
Terry,
We are deeply sorry to hear of Dale's passing. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers.
Laura Manning
October 31, 2008
I want you to now how sorry I am to hear of Dale's passing. We went to school together, even double dated, with my husband Ward, whom recently passed away in March, when his plane crashed.
Hold on to your memories and remember he will always be with you. The days will ahead will be so hard, but we have to have faith, that " If God brings you to it. He will bring you through it"
My thoughts are with you, all and if you ever need to talk I am here.
Andrea Letso
October 31, 2008
Dale was a man so full of life and love and laughter! This is so hard to believe. He will be dearly missed by so many, although I know he has a good friend in Heaven who is happy to see him again. I am so sorry for your loss Terry and family.
Horton Shearin
October 30, 2008
Terry and girls
Cissi, Ashley and I thoughts and prayers are with you for your loss. I did not know Dale was sick.
Desiree Walker
October 30, 2008
Terry,
I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your lost. Dale meant alot to us on 4 Tower. He will be missed greatly. I always enjoyed going in his room and talking to him. I will miss him. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family and let me know if there is anything that I can do.
Lynette Ingram
October 30, 2008
He was a great man, wonderful father, and most of all a great friend. He was there for my family especially my mother when someone was needed the most. He was overall a good person with a good heart. He is going to be missed tremendously!!
We love you!
The Golla / Ingram Family
Mark & Lynn Beasley
October 30, 2008
Terry,
Even though we have not seen you since you moved from Bay Tree Way you and the girls will be in our prayers. Mark & Lynn Beasley
Gabe Gandara
October 30, 2008
The optimist who always left you smiling.
Our deepest condolences to the family and to all those that knew him.
He will be missed dearly .
Joan Mullis
October 30, 2008
Terry, Jennifer and Lissie, My heart is breaking as I set here writing this. Dale's Beautiful Girls ! Terry I hope you remember what Dale said to me when I said something about how beautiful your girls are. He said of course they are, look at thier MOM. Oh how he Loved you. And Jennifer his first born who looks just like him, Beautiful inside as well as outside. Lissie, his baby girl with a heart as big as all outdoors just like your Dad's. You 3 were Dales world. Terry I am so sorry that we didn't get to go eat at Sticky Fingers. But maybe one day Wade and I can take you and the girls for Dinner in Honor of a wonderful man that we all loved so very much. I think he would have liked that. I so wish I had some magic words to say to help ease your pain, but we know there aren't any. I treasure the time we had with Dale, he always had a smile and a hug for me. He had a way about him that told everyone that they were important, he truly listened to what you had to say and he cared. We are all very blessed to have known him. I am always here Terry for you and the girls, but you knew that. Wade and I Loved Dale and we are better people for having had him as our very very dear Friend. Our Love always, Wade and Joan Mullis
Fran Drautz
October 30, 2008
Jennifer & Melissa,
My thoughts & prayers are with you both at this sad & difficult time.
Sincerely, Fran
Brian & Leslie Haupricht
October 30, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Muhannad & Kim (Orban) Abu-Alasal
October 30, 2008
Terry, Jennifer, and Melissa,
I am so sorry to hear of Dale's death. It was such a shock when I heard as we had no idea he was sick. Our deepest sympathies are with you all!! If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call!
Jim and Ann Wright
October 30, 2008
Terry, Jennifer and Lissie - and family,
Dale was such a wonderful friend to all, but what we will remember most of all is the love he demonstrated daily for God and his family. He was a great husband and a great father to you. For others, he always lit up a room making everyone feel special and it was genuine!
We are so thankful we knew him. What an inspiration. He is one of those rare individuals who really lived life to the fullest right up to the very end! When we think of Dale, he was always smiling, laughing and asking about others - never ever focusing on himself. He was able to do this even on the very last day of his life because that is the way he lived every day. It was natural for Dale.
He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him. While we all miss him here, heaven was just made an even happier place to be because of Dale's abundance of inner joy. That joy will shine through for all to see.
May his story of His story continue to inspire us as go throughout the remainder of our lives. I think "Joy to the World" would be a good phrase to remember him by because that is what he did - help spread joy to the world.
May you feel the warm and loving arms of God surround you to hold, comfort and encourage you during your time of loss.
Love,
Jim and Ann Wright
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