Dale was born on May 8, 1932 in Benbrook, Texas to parents Thomas Andrew and Beatrice Novice (Pool) Sifford Sr. and entered into eternal rest on October 20, 2018 at the age of 86. Dale graduated from Athens High School in 1949. He enlisted with the United States Army. Dale was a proud patriot and Army Veteran. He married the love of his life, Anita, on December 21, 1956 in Bedford, Texas. Dale worked at Menasco, an aircraft manufacturing company for 30 years. He also worked for a flooring company for 10 years. He was a strong, hardworking but quiet man. Dale was always smiling, his childhood nickname was “Grinner Bill”. He loved doing genealogy research and was a member of Athens Genealogical Organization. He didn’t like to sit, enjoyed woodworking and gardening. Dale loved working with his son, Alan. He was a very giving and helpful to others. Dale loved being with his family and his church family. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cross Roads; he served as a Deacon for 59 years there and at First Baptist Church of Bedford. Dale also helped with the “Gardening for Widows”. He loved being able to help his community and meeting new people. Dale was a member of Sons of the Confederate Veterans and was a committed blood donor, he had donated just under 100 gallons in his lifetime. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. Dale will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Tresk Alan Bartee, sister Dorcie Faye Sifford and sister June Laverne “Lulu” Richardson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Anita Sifford of Athens, son Alan Sifford and wife Linda of Athens, son Robert Sifford of Payne Springs, daughter Dana Sims and husband David of Bedford, daughter Janet Brannan and husband B.D. of Watauga, grandson Nathan Sifford and wife Liz, granddaughter Bethany Sifford, granddaughter Cortney Sims, granddaughter Kayla Nusz and husband Phil, grandson J.D. Bartee, granddaughter Rochelle Bartee, granddaughter Carolyn Sims, granddaughter Kelsea Sims and grandson Shawn Barnard, five great-grandchildren, sister Wanda Richardson of Athens, brother Joyce W. Sifford of Bedford, Brother Thomas Andrew Jr. of Hot Springs Village, AR, sister Lavon Luedke and husband Jay of North Richland Hills, brother Larry Sifford of Dallas, other loving family members and many more lifelong friends.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Dale’s honor to the First Baptist Church of Cross Roads, 14232 FM 59, Athens, Texas 75751.
