Lee Andrew Dale

January 18, 1945 – January 6, 2011

Lee Andrew Dale was born January 18, 1945 in San Francisco, California. He was the oldest of five children of Archie (Jack) and Hazel Dale. His siblings included Wayne Gary, Clifford (Joyce), Deborah (Homer) and Leonard.

Lee was raised in Merced, California where he attended Galen Clark Elementary School and Merced High School-El Capitan where he graduated. He was a high school athlete, star football player, and held many records in Track and Field. After high school Lee moved to Oakland to live with relatives while he attended Molar Barber College in San Francisco. He worked as a barber for a year before volunteering for the United States Army. He received basic training at Fort Ord prior to serving his country overseas in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in October 1968.

Lee was married and the father of one son, Orland Dale-“OC”.

In 1980 Lee moved back to Merced and worked for Merced Irrigation District for several years. In 1987 Lee moved to Buffalo, New York where he lived off and on until 1998. During his residence in Buffalo Lee worked as a caregiver at St. Francis Geriatric Hospital and as a security guard for the Buffalo Sabre’s Hockey Team at HSBC Arena until his illness prevented him from working.

Lee was a kind and gentle man. Friends and family will remember his humor, his huge smile, his jokes and playfulness.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Hazel Dale; and siblings, Wayne Gary Dale and Leonard Dale.

Lee leaves to celebrate his life his son, Orlando-“OC”; five grandchildren, OC Jr., LaShaja, LeKitha, Demi and S’Raya. He also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. Burial followed at Merced District Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.