Dale Edward Watkiss

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, July 26, 1952, Dale grew up in Neptune Beach. In his youth he became a competitive swimmer which instilled discipline and fortitude early in life. He swam breaststroke for Beaches Aquatic Center under the legendary Coach “Wimpy” Sutton, sending him to the 1963 Junior Olympics and 1964 State Finals. While attending Fletcher Senior Highschool, he was a Gateway Conference Champion team member for four years, graduating in 1970. He graduated from Florida Junior College in 1972 and Florida State University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.

Dale and Mary Catherine Shaw married in 1976 and for over forty-eight years they built a life together in the San Marco area of Jacksonville, sharing a love for community, family, friends and beloved pets.

Dale pursued a profession in the dental industry and for fifty years dedicated himself to serving dentists throughout Florida. Colleagues have commented that he knew the business better than most, was a trusted advisor and confidant. He mentored many as they built their dream practice, guiding them with design, construction, equipment, supplies and a practice philosophy that would carry them throughout their career. He helped develop curriculum for Practice Administration, a class at University of Florida College of Dentistry, lecturing on occasion with Dr. Nick Minden. He was a consulting partner of Key Dental with Jo Sutherland of Lexington, KY and recently retired from DCS Dental Lab. He owned Always Fresh Flowers and provided beautiful arrangements to clients on Monday mornings.

During his life, Dale was involved in several charities including Big Brother, Habijax for Humanity and Mercy Ships. He donated generous amounts of his time and knowledge to the Florida Dental Association’s Missions of Mercy and Clay County Dental Society’s Charity Dental Clinics. In 1997 he was honored to be a recipient of the First Coast News, 12 Who Care Community Service Award, for his work on the original IM Sulzbacher Dental Clinic on Main Street. As one friend said, “Along with his generous nature, Dale had a combination of expertise, humility and humor that allowed him to connect with a wide spectrum of people”.

Dale played almost as hard as he worked and was always game for a good time. He loved surfing local waves, Costa Rica and Honduras. He loved sailing the Abaco and snow skiing mountains of the west. He loved his Harley days, flying right seat with his buddies and sheep herding with his border collie, Millie. He loved his boat, The Millie T, fishing for reds in the St. Johns River finger creeks and hunting for quail and deer. He loved his man cave, taking care of his yard, watching football and golf. He loved oyster roasts, grilling delicious food, sharing his passions with Cathy, extended family and friends. He loved his Australian shepherd, Molly, his clients, his friends, his family and his Lord Jesus Christ.

Dale brought energy, creativity and a wonderful smile to the world around him. He enjoyed a lifetime filled with friendships which was evident during his brief illness with metastatic melanoma, as he received a steady stream of visitors even on his last day.

The family is grateful for his caregivers and the outpouring of love and support from his many friends.

Predeceased were his parents, Dr. George Edward Watkiss and Mary Bishop Watkiss and his brother, George Philip Watkiss.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Catherine and loyal cat, Jackson Phillips; nephews, Eric John Watkiss (Lynne), Kevin Sheill Watkiss (Aimee), Geoffrey Dawson Watkiss (Amy); great nieces and nephews, Julia, Kaitlyn, Alex and Jarrett; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Duff (Steven) and Regina Watkiss.

Dale was a member and faithfully attended First Baptist Church Jacksonville, 125 West Ashley Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. A memorial service will be held in the east building on Saturday morning, September 28, 2024, at ten o’clock. The family will receive friends at nine o’clock.

The service will be officiated by Dale’s brother in Christ, Pastor John Blount.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated for First Baptist Church Jacksonville/Next Generation Building Fund, Community Hospice and Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 or a charity close to your heart.