William House Dale, Jr.

William House Dale, Jr., 76, lifelong resident of Columbia and local attorney, died Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Born March 18, 1948, in Columbia, TN, he was the son of the late William House Dale, Sr. and the late Mary Elizabeth Walker Dale. He graduated from Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College) in 1970 and University of Tennessee Law School in 1973. For fifty years he was married to Nancy Chadick, who preceded him in death on October 1, 2022. Will practiced law in Maury County for approximately forty years and served as the County Attorney for over twenty years. He was a lifelong member of Columbia First Presbyterian Church and a longtime Kiwanis Club member. 

Will loved Columbia and was a direct descendant of the first settlers in Columbia and Maury County. He had a lively and engaging personality. He greatly enjoyed visiting with friends around the courthouse square and at local restaurants as well as traveling near and far. His hobbies included golfing, casino gambling /day trading, and in his younger years, boating on the Duck River and Lake Normandy.

He is survived by his daughter, Caroline Dale (Christopher) Simpson of Bethesda, MD; grandsons, Tyler Dale Simpson and James Dale Simpson of Bethesda, MD; siblings, Lillias (William) Johnston of Nashville, TN; Rev. James “Jamie” (Anne) Dale of Black Mountain, NC; Dr. Andrew “Mac” Dale of Winston-Salem, NC; Frank (Gloria) Dale of Columbia, TN; former sister- and brother-in-law Susan Chadick and Gerald (Jerry) Miller of Arlington, VA; many dear nieces and nephews, as well as close friend Raydena Hoppe.

Active pallbearers will be Christopher Simpson, Jamie Dale, Mac Dale, Frank Dale, John Dale, Jordan Dale, Matt Nestopoulos, Mike Shane, and Jim Davis.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Columbia First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Sarah Bird Kneff officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 3:00 PM till 6:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home followed by a celebration of life reception at the nearby Mulehouse.

The family suggest memorials may be made to Columbia First Presbyterian Church 801 S High St, Columbia, TN 38401; Room in the Inn 2800 Trotwood Avenue, Columbia, TN 38401; The People's Table 222 W 7th St, Columbia, TN 38401; or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.