Dale Gene Smith

September 21, 1951 – September 28, 2026

Dale Gene Smith, 75, of Hemet, California, passed away on September 28, 2026, with his home filled with the love of family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend, Dale leaves behind a lasting legacy of faith, generosity, laughter, and treasured memories.

Born in Pomona, California, to Wesley Eugene Smith and Constance Louise Smith, Dale grew up in Pomona and graduated from Pomona High School. He immediately began working for GTE, where he spent 17 years before following his entrepreneurial spirit into the fair, food, and beverage industry.

Dale and his wife, Celia, shared 38 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, family, adventure, and hard work. Together, they raised two children and operated Family A Fair Concessions, traveling throughout Southern California as fair concessionaires and continuing their work to this day. Their life together was a testament to partnership, perseverance, and the joy found in sharing a journey.

Dale’s passions brought him great happiness and gave him countless stories to share. He loved collecting cars and motorcycles and began racing motorcycles at age 11, entering his last motorcycle race at age 50. Later, he chose a safer path in racing and began competing in stock cars at Perris Auto Speedway. He also cherished time at the river, cruising in his boat with family and friends. The Colorado River in Parker, Arizona, held a special place in his heart and was his favorite place to be.

Those who knew Dale will remember his warm smile, quick sense of humor, generous spirit, love of Motown music, and unwavering devotion to his family, friends, and Heavenly Father. He had a way of making people feel welcome and leaving them with a memory worth holding onto. His love was expressed not only in words, but in the life he built, the people he cared for, and the moments he shared.

He is survived by his loving wife, Celia; his children, Bruce, Lori, Moriah, and Christian; his 10 grandchildren; and his 98-year-old mother, Connie. He was preceded in death by his sister, Diane, and his father, Wesley.

A funeral service celebrating Dale’s life will be held on October 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Dwelling Place Church in Hemet. It will be followed by a celebration of life at the Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre in Hemet, California. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor the life of a man whose love, laughter, faith, and adventurous spirit touched so many.

Forever loved and deeply missed, Dale’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Funeral Service will be held at Dwelling Place City Church, 27100 Girard St, Hemet, CA 92544, US, on October 16, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

There will be a reception provided by the family at the Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre, 27400 Ramona Bowl Rd, Hemet, CA 92544, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.