James Richard “Rick” Dale, 61, of Gainesville, FL passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday morning, February, 28th, 2023. Rick is survived by his sons Brett and Tyler Dale of Gainesville. Brother, Monty Dale of Archer and mother Betty Dale of Gainesville. Rick was pre-deceased by his father Daniel Dale and oldest brother, Chuck Dale.
Rick was born in Miami, FL on January, 3rd. 1962, and moved to Gainesville shortly after where he grew up playing sports. Rick attended Gainesville High, P.K. Yonge High, and Santa Fe College where he played baseball. Rick then played at St. Leo University where he became a Hall of Famer. After college Rick moved to Fort Pierce, FL where he would get married and have his two twin sons. Rick worked many years as a professor at Brevard Community College and then eventually moved back to Gainesville where he spent the last fifteen years of his life watching his sons follow in his footsteps, loving the game of baseball. Together they enjoyed playing any kind of sports such as golf, basketball, fishing, tennis, and baseball. More than anything Rick loved spending time with his two sons.
All Rick’s family and friends are invited to his celebration of life on March 18th, 2023 at 10:30am at Celebration United Methodist, 9501 SW Archer Rd. Gainesville, FL 32608.
