Robert James Dale, affectionately known as Bob, of Dallas, Texas, passed away on November 6, 2026, at the age of 96.
Bob was born on December 23, 1929, in Dallas, Texas, to Charles Dale and Arvada L. (West) Dale. A lifelong Texan, he built a life rooted in family, faith, service, and education.
On August 25, 1956, Bob married Martha Elaine Webb in Washington D.C.
Bob served his country as a lieutenant in the United States Air Force as part of the Strategic Air Command. He was a pilot during the Korean conflict, a chapter of his life that reflected his dedication to serving his nation.
After completing his military service, he returned to North Texas State Teachers College (now known as University of North Texas) where he earned a degree in Mathematics with a minor in Physics.
His professional accomplishments included designing radio equipment for the NASA Apollo missions as well as radar tracking devices for the F-111.
Bob then went on to help establish and lead the electronics program at Skyline High School in the Dallas Independent School District. Additionally, he taught electronics within the Dallas Community College system.
Well into his nineties, education and service remained essential elements of his life, taking courses at the local community college, tutoring students for their GED, teaching Algebra to homeschool students, and volunteering with the Dallas Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.
Throughout his life, Bob’s faith grounded and informed his beliefs and character. He was a devoted member of Saint Sava Orthodox Church in Allen, Texas, where he was part of a community of faith, fellowship, and service.
Bob is survived by his daughter, Allison St. Claire of Plano, Texas; son, Charles Dale and wife, Irene of Needham, Massachusetts; son, Greg Dale and wife, Susie of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Cody Harrington of Seattle, Washington, Shea Wilkins and husband, Chris of Austin, Texas; Joshua Dale and wife, Chrystal Chan of Sharon, Massachusetts, Rebecca Dale of Chicago, Illinois, Merrion Frederick and husband, Ross of Hillsborough, North Carolina, and Madeleine Derryberry and husband, Rhett of Brooklyn, New York; great grandchildren, Jonathan and Christopher; niece, Tracy Wilson Burns; nephews, Rick, Paul, and Kris Wilson, and Jason Gary; and sister, Lee Wilson Gary of Richardson, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Elaine Webb Dale.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 8, 2026 in the chapel at St. James Episcopal Church, 9845 McCree Rd., Dallas, Texas, 75238.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 9, 2026 at St. Sava Orthodox Church, 1601 S. Jupiter Road, Allen, Texas 75002. Following the service, a procession will make its way to Ridgeview Memorial Park for a committal service.