Dale Gordon Rusmisell

Dale was born on June 23, 1953, in Staunton, Virginia to the late Lewis (Lou) Rusmisell and Ruby Fitzgerald. He moved to Wilmington, North Carolina around age 16 where he attended and graduated from New Hanover High School. Dale attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington as well as Shaw University where he attended night classes while working full time to complete his bachelor’s degree. Dale spent almost his entire adult life working for the North Carolina Community College System spending 18 years at Cape Fear Community College and 12 years at Southeastern Community College before retiring. After retiring, Dale moved on to what was by far his favorite job, being a full time Nandaddy. When he wasn’t picking kids up in the carpool line or taking them on field trips to the home improvement store, you could find him building and repairing model ships in his workshop. His work was even featured in Wrightsville Beach Magazine in May 2008. Dale also had a fascination with model trains and spent countless hours designing and constructing a train city fit for a museum. Dale was a master of Dad jokes and always had one ready for any occasion. He knew everything about everything, all you had to do was just ask him. He was an incredibly hard worker, loyal husband, devoted father, and doting grandfather. He will be remembered as incredibly tough, slightly stubborn, and fiercely determined. A true warrior.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his youngest sister, Donna Byrd of Mount Olive, North Carolina. In addition to his mother, Dale is survived by his faithful wife, Jean Rusmisell of Wilmington, North Carolina; their only child, Heather Rusmisell Braswell (Tyler) of Wilmington, North Carolina and three grandchildren who were his world, Alexx Rusmisell, Ava Braswell and Atticus Braswell all of Wilmington, North Carolina. Dale is also survived by two sisters, Mary Jo Smith of Hampstead, North Carolina, and Tina Guffey (Basil) of Kinston, North Carolina and a special stepmother, Ursula Rusmisell of Kinston, North Carolina as well as many other family members who loved him dearly.

Due to the current conditions caused by Covid-19, memorial services will be held at a later date. The family asks that until we can come together to honor Dale’s life, that you love your family as hard as you can. There is nothing he would love more.