Dale Robert Dibble

Dale Robert Dibble, longtime resident of the Orlando, Florida area died on August 8, 2021, at the age of 92. Dale is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Mary Alice Dibble, of St. Cloud, Florida; his two sons: Bob Dibble (Clarice) and Ken Dibble (Sherlyn), both of Richmond, Virginia; he was predeceased by his daughter, Debbie Smith in 2019, and his granddaughter, Megan Dibble in 2012. Also surviving to cherish his long, well-lived life are his eight grandchildren: Denise Gaal (Mike), Bryce Dibble (Candie), Beth Mayo (Lee), Mary Ruth Waters (Andy), Justin Dillard (Erica), Jessica Raper (Sam), Ashley Smith and Haley Smith; eighteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many dear friends.

Dale was born on December 17, 1928, in Massena, New York. He grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia, graduating from Cradock High School, class of 1945. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as part of the Occupation Forces in China, rising to the rank of SSgt. before being honorably discharged in 1947. Returning to Virginia, he met and married the "love of his life", Mary Alice nee Ezzell, on June 26, 1949. Together they raised their three children in Florida, where he lived for the remainder of his life. He had various jobs before joining Martin Marietta in 1959 as a Logistics Engineer, where he worked on numerous programs and projects over several years. He was later assigned to the Sprint Missile Program and spent two years as manager of the Pershing Modification Facility in Frankfurt, Germany. He returned to Orlando in 1979 and finished his career as Logistics Manager of the SLAT program, retiring as the functional manager of logistics engineering in 1988. A highlight of his distinguished career with Martin Marietta was his involvement in the Society of Logistics Engineers (SOLE) where he made many lifelong friends. Retirement, at the age of 60, afforded him time for pursuits that brought him great joy: travel, golf, fishing, volunteer work with the Missionary Computer Fellowship, and time with family and friends. Along with his wife, he was an active member at First Presbyterian Church, Orlando.

The family would like to thank the faithful doctors and nurses of St. Cloud Hospital, as well as all the many people who offered their thoughts and prayers during his brief illness. Arrangements are being handled by Conrad & Thompson Funeral Home, Kissimmee, Florida, where online remembrances may be made. Additionally, a guest book may be signed at: www.orlandosentinel.com/obituaries. A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, August 27, in the Reformation Chapel of First Presbyterian Church , Orlando, 106 East Church Street, followed by a reception in King Parlor celebrating his life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to be made to Disabled American Veterans, or to your favorite charity.