David Leray Dale, Jr.

David LeRay Dale, Jr., 53, of Irmo, South Carolina, passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2023. Born on August 31, 1970, in Roanoke, Virginia, he was the son of Aloris Forbes Dale and the late David LeRay Dale, Sr. David graduated from Perkins High School in Sandusky, Ohio, where he was an offensive lineman on the football team. He also played football for The Defiance College in Defiance, Ohio, where he earned a degree in chemistry. After a job offer from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, David moved to Columbia. He was a chemist at SCDHEC for 31 years. During his career at DHEC, he earned the Michael D. Jarrett Outstanding Customer Service Award multiple times. David was most proud of his two children, Emily and Spencer. He called them the best thing he ever did. He was an active “dance dad” to Emily and an involved “baseball dad” to Spencer. David was also training to become a Boy Scout leader. He was also a “Boy Scout dad.” David enjoyed going camping with Spencer and the Scouts of Troop 312. David was a member of McGregor Presbyterian Church. Besides his mother, David is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Heather Higley Dale; his daughter, Emily Ann Dale; and his son, Spencer David Dale. David was also loved by his in-laws Bob, Deb, & Heath Higley and Dolene Keeterle. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2023, in the chapel at Temples-Halloran Funeral Home. Mrs. Christy Todd and The Rev. Robyn Garrison will officiate. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service and also after the service.