Dalton Townsend

Dalton was born July 10th, 1938 in Bell, FL He attended Bell High School, moving to Gainesville, FL in 1957 to begin his 40 year career as a Meat Cutter. Dalton worked with Winn Dixie Grocery Stores Inc. for 7 years, 1957-1964, working his way up to a Meat Market Manager and relocating to Jacksonville FL & Green Cove Springs, FL. Dalton joined Pantry Pride Stores Inc. in 1964 working with them for 22 years as a Meat Market Manager in various locations around Jacksonville. He was a proud union member of Workers Union Local #433. He then joined Carroll’s Meat Shop running the Harlow Road location as Meat Shop Manager for 11 years (1986 -1997). He had many customers and employees that became friends with their local Butcher.

Dalton was the most honest, straight forward person you will have ever known. His passion in life was his dedication to providing and caring for his family and friends. Especially wife Shorty, children Cathy & Clint, grandsons who he enjoyed spending time with and talking sports, which was always at the top of their discussion list. To his great grandchildren who he adored and was amazed to watch them turn into their own little persons. There are so many friends that he called family. Dalton was always thrilled when someone would stop by to visit or call to catch up, it didn’t matter if he had seen you recently or if it had been a few years you were always greeted with love.

Dalton was predeceased in death by his loved ones; father, Jessie Aaron Townsend; mother, Ruby Tine Townsend; sisters, Freddie Mae Trail, & Alene Bloodsworth, and Linda Hill.

Surviving family members are his wife of 63 years, “Shorty” Mildred L. Townsend; daughter, Catherine Townsend Hamilton (Lin); son, Clinton D. Townsend Jr. (Kelly), all of Jacksonville FL; brother, John F. Townsend (Audrey) of Ocala, FL.; sister-in-law, Willamina McCumber of Jacksonville, FL.; grandsons, Camron D. Hamilton, (Sara) of Sarasota, FL, Tyler R. Townsend, (Jenni) and Dalton A. Townsend (Emily) all of Jacksonville, FL.; step-grandsons, Cameron Burns of Knoxville, TN and Michael Richardson of Jacksonville, FL; great grandchildren, Riley Kate Hamilton and Weston Miles Hamilton of Sarasota, FL and Beatrice Townsend of Jacksonville, FL.

Dalton is also survived by many nieces, nephews, as well as many great nieces and nephews, who he loved and adored; especially Ann & Bobby Loehr of Pensacola, FL, whose endless love and support meant so much to him.

Special friends that Dalton thought of as family are: Mary Lou Scarborough, his friend for over 63 years; the Fife Family: Julie, Terri, Janet, Tammy and Alan, who Dalton called his #2 son; Gaye Owens Shanks, who Dalton fondly called Daughter #2, who has constantly offered love and support for the entire Townsend Family; the Richinson Family: Mark, Marcie, Jonah, Toby & Luke, who were the most fantastic neighbors; and Marilee Carswell, who had such a special place in Dalton’s heart.

A Memorial & Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday September 2nd, 2023 at 11 am at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park Chapel, officiated by Pastor Mike Ragland. A catered reception will follow at the funeral home.

Flowers may be sent to Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd. Jax, FL 32205

In lieu of flowers the family request charity donations may be made to The American Heart Association or to the National Hospice Foundation in the name of Dalton Townsend.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Townsend family.