G. Sexton Dale

G. Sexton Dale, 82, of Morganton, NC, passed away Monday, December 5, 2022 at Mission Hospital. Born on September 21, 1940, he was the son of the late Grover Cleveland Dale and Avis Isabella Williams Dale. Sexton and Edith made their home in the Salem Community, raising 4 children there. They supported the community as their children were active in school activities, sports, scouting and church at Salem UMC.

Sexton worked at Great Lakes Carbon for 39 years. He was a union man serving for 25 plus years as President of the International Chemical Workers Local 427. He worked tirelessly to ensure that all members were treated fairly and negotiated contracts that favored workers compensation and benefits. He also served on a labor advisory committee for the NC Labor Department for many years. Sexton served on the State AFL-CIO Executive Committee. He also delivered the Charlotte Observer in Morganton for over 50 years.

Sexton loved to travel and enjoyed vacations with his children and grandchildren. He loved the beach and was a master at sand castle building and body surfing.

He was an avid gardener and loved to read and watch movies. He was a fanatical Notre Dame and New York Yankee fan. As a result, his children have carried on this tradition.

Sexton is survived by his wife of 64 years, Edith Lovelace Dale; children, Mike Dale (Becky), Mickey Dale (Kelly), Debbie Dale, Barry Dale (Stacy Smith Mueller); grandchildren, Elizabeth Smith, Jonathon Dale, Angela Dale, Carmen Patton, Gracie Kiracofe; step-grandchildren, Seth Manchester, Paul Manchester, Piper Galle; great-grandchildren, Ronin, Avalon, Portia, Sevrin, Marilyn, Kaleb, Jackson, Hailey, Harrison, Sophia.

In addition to his parents, Sexton is preceded in death by his brother John Jerry Dale.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm, Saturday, December 17, 2022 at Salem UMC with burial in the church cemetery to follow. As Sexton loved desserts, the family ask that you bring a dessert to share with his friends and family in the fellowship hall following the service, where they will also greet friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Salem United Methodist Church or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.