Burl Jacob Dale entered into eternal life Tuesday, September 18, after a courageous fight with heart disease. He recently celebrated his 82nd birthday.

Burl was born August 24, 1936 in Grassy Creek NC, son of the late Charles S. and Lessie Glenn Dale. He attended Mitchell county schools. Prior to graduation Burl volunteered for the US Army as a medic in the Korean War. Having been injured by enemy shrapnel Burl received the Purple Heart. Upon returning home he graduated from Harris high school.

As a young man, Burl developed his strong work ethic as a butcher in Mitchell county NC before finding and following his true career calling as a golf professional. Burl's PGA career spanned six decades from Florida to Nebraska to North Carolina. As a preeminent 54-year PGA member and professional, he wore many hats and was a respected teacher of the game. Burl mentored countless assistant professionals through the years helping numerous secure head professional positions. But, Burl's legacy in golf was his business acumen. Burl owned and operated 7 golf shops simultaneously in two states and was increasingly successful to the point of national recognition. Burl served as golf professional at a number of clubs but was most proud of his 25-year service as the professional at Linville Golf Club in North Carolina. Burl's playing skill was well known including senior championships in 1987, 1988, and 1991. Along with his work came a duty of service to the PGA, his motto was to always give back to the game more than he was given. To that end his service to the PGA included countless committee assignments and chairmanships and was recognized in 1967 as the Golf Professional of the Year for the Florida Section, in 2002 with the Southern Chapter Lifetime Achievement Award and the Southern Chapter Professional of the Year Award, culminating in his induction into the PGA South Florida Section Hall of Fame.

Growing up on a farm, Burl developed an affinity for horses, he had multiple Quarter-Horses at his home in Boca Raton from the earliest days. This affinity grew into a love and passion for horses manifesting itself in Tennessee Walking horses. They meant so much to him that his beloved Barbara joked that the horses were his mistresses. Burl was an accomplished rider and trainer with barns in both Florida and North Carolina. In Burl's hobby came the same focus on success. He and his horses won 13 Tennessee Walking Horse World Championships. With this prosperity came his duty to again give back. He served as a director for the Walking Horse Owners Association and member of the WNC Walking Horse Association, East Tennessee Walking Horse Association and the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association.

The most important occurrence in Burl's life was meeting Barbara. Her courage and support sustained the family during the difficult years and made the successes possible. Both a smart and fun lady, she was known for her quick wit and sense of humor. His love and devotion to his family was the hallmark of his life. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

Burl was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Barbara Ann Dale. He is survived by his sons Terry Dale and wife Vicki and her son Jeremy; Thomas Dale and wife Dawn and their children Natalie and Alexander and wife Jessica and their daughter Evelyn; daughters Cristy Fimiani and husband Mike and their children Vincent and Joseph; Wendy Dale; daughter-in-law Christine Dale and her son Charlie; grandson Hunter Dale; granddaughter Ashley Dale; brothers Frank Dale; Harold Dale and wife Lucy; sister Mary Effird; sisters-in-law Lucille Dale and Sharon Dale; and by countless nieces and nephews to whom he was always available for counsel. Burl was preceded in death by son Chip.

"Paw Paw" will be missed by his grandchildren and great-grand daughter.

A memorial service conducted by Reverend Dennis Quackenboss of Burl's home church, Mountainside Lutheran, was held on Saturday, September 22nd at 2:00 p.m. at Camp Yonahnoka in Linville, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to: The Linville Foundation P.O. Box 99, Linville, NC 28646.