Dale Walker Huggins

In Loving Memory of Dale Walker Huggins

November 9, 1946 – October 18, 2025

The laughter of Dale Walker Huggins could fill a room before he ever stepped into it. On Saturday, October 18, 2025, that laughter was gently called home as Dale, of Rome, Georgia, entered into eternal rest at the age of seventy-eight. Born on November 9, 1946, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Lawrence Leslie Huggins and Dorothy Mae Young Huggins, Dale’s story was one of joy, humor, loyalty, and love that rippled through generations.

When Dale was two years old, his parents moved the family to the sunny shores of Pompano Beach, Florida. It was a fitting place for a boy whose spirit would always shine bright and warm as the coastal sun. From an early age, he possessed a boundless energy and a love for life that seemed to draw people in. Whether tossing a football, cracking a joke, or flashing that quick, infectious grin, Dale had a way of making friends out of strangers and family out of friends.

After high school, his love for sports and team camaraderie led him to Northeastern A&M College in Miami, Oklahoma, where he played both football and baseball for two years before transferring to Wichita State University in Kansas to complete his bachelor’s degree. Those years on the field shaped the foundation for the mentor and coach he would later become. For Dale, sports were never just about winning; they were about heart, discipline, commitment, and teamwork, lessons he joyfully passed along to every youth team he coached.

For forty-four years, Dale worked in the plastic sales industry, building not only a career but a legacy of integrity, perseverance, and humor. Yet, when he retired in 2015, he stepped into what he proudly called his favorite role: President, CEO, CFO, and COO of Pops Baby and Dog Sitting, Transportation, and Logistics Charm and Dance School. 

Whether it was chauffeuring his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to vatious activities, clapping from the stands at games, or cheering in the audience at plays, Dale was the ultimate supporter. He never missed a moment. To his family, he wasn’t just present; he was the pulse that made every occasion brighter.

Dale’s wit was legendary. He often claimed to “know a whole lot about nothing,” though his family would quickly tell you he somehow knew everything when it mattered most, especially during trivia night, where his sharp mind and quick recall made him the teammate everyone wanted. His humor could dissolve tension, his kindness could mend hearts, and his presence could turn ordinary days into cherished memories.

He was a man of steadfast faith, a devoted follower of Christ, and a member of North Rome Church of God. His quiet strength and faith-filled heart shaped his life as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He led not by demand, but by example, being steady, loving, prayerful, and always with a twinkle of mirth in his eyes.

Dale’s life was rich in simple joys. He loved the Florida Gators, cherry pie, history, and horses. The beach was his happy place, and his beloved teacup Yorkie, Paisley, was never far from his side.

Dale leaves behind his devoted wife of fifty-seven years, Daylene, with whom he shared a lifetime of laughter, travel, faith, and friendship. He is also survived by his children, Derek (Marquita) of Acworth, Georgia, and Kim (Thad) of St. Augustine, Florida; grandchildren, Britney Justice (Zack) of Dothan, Alabama, Baylee Cox (Devon) of Douglasville, Alabama, Stephanie Cornelius of Jacksonville, Florida, Jordyn Huggins, D.J. Huggins, and Jacob Huggins, all of Acworth, Georgia; great-grandsons, Walker Justice and Grady Huggins Justice of Dothan, Alabama; and his sister, Rosalie Huggins of Cincinnati, Ohio.

In addition to his parents, Dale is reunited in eternal peace with his twin brother, Donnie Huggins; his brother, Gary Huggins; and his nephew, Chris Huggins.

Services to celebrate Dale’s life will be held at the Good Shepherd Funeral Home chapel. The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM. The funeral service will take place on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with David Terrell officiating.

Good Shepherd Funeral Home is honored to have been entrusted with the arrangements.

Those who knew Dale know that heaven is now a little brighter and a whole lot merrier because he’s there, telling stories, sharing laughter, and reminding everyone that the best legacy any man can leave is love.

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