Ernest Ray “Hop” Dale

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Ernest Ray “Hop” Dale, 81, retired owner and operator of Dale Flooring Service, and resident of Columbia, died Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at his residence.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Swango officiating. The family will visit with friends Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 11:00 AM till 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Born October 2, 1943 in Coffee County, TN, he was the son of the late Everett Dale and the late Ruth Vandygriff Dale, and grew up working on a tobacco farm. In 1960 he married the love of his life, Carolyn Faye Daniels Dale, and together they shared 40 wonderful years together, till her death in 2000. Ernest spent the early 60’s till 1978 racing cars and Jet Boats. In 1975 he started Dale Flooring Service, where his children worked with him. He enjoyed spending time at the TN River, where he lived for a time, and camping. Ernest loved watching Sunday Night Football, Westerns, and listing to Country Music. Above all, he loved his family and helped raise his grandchildren. 

He is survived by his sons, Jeffrey Clay Dale and Marvin Dwayne Dale; grandchildren, Timothy Dale, Jeffrey Dale, Kelsey Dale, Brandi Crain, Shelby Crain; great-grandchildren, Carson Furno, Ryleigh Collins, Kael Collins; and brother, Danny (Annie) Dale.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Ray Dale; and siblings, Glynn Dale, Lynn Dale, Imogene Scott, Shirley Davis, and Faye Baker. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Dale, Jimmy Dale, Anthony Dale, Joey Davis, Randy Staggs, and Tommy Logue.