Hules Dale

Reflections on the life and legacy of Deacon Hules Dale Jr.Reflections on the life and legacy of Deacon Hules Dale Jr.

Deacon Hules Dale Jr. began his life’s journey on January 10, 1936, in West Dumas, Arkansas. He was born to the union of late Elder Hules Sr. and Missionary Tuckcora Dale. He was the youngest of thirteen siblings (five girls and 8 boys), all of whom preceded him in death.

On February 20, 1956, in Dumas, Arkansas, he married his beloved wife, Ola Mae Evans, who preceded him in transition. They later relocated to Chicago, IL, to provide a better life for their family. God blessed him and his wife with over 67 years of marriage. Through this union, five children were born: Ulinda (Emmanuel), Roger (Zorina), who preceded him in transition, Marc (Vernita), Vanetta (Vernon), and Allyn (Evangelan).

At a young age, Hules Dale accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and years later, he rededicated his life to Christ. Brother Dale joined Faith Temple COGIC in 1991 under the leadership of Bishop H. W. Goldsberry, Bishop William H. Allen, Elder Ronald Blumenberg, and Elder Nathanael Windom. As a member of Faith Temple, he served as a deacon, sang in the Men’s Choir, worked in the Manpower Ministry, and was a cheerful giver. He was also a faithful member of the Sunday School Department. He loved his church family and enjoyed being in the house of the Lord. He understood that his works were the result of having salvation in Christ Jesus and in Him alone.

Buck, as he was affectionately called, started work at the age of 5. On his first day in the cotton fields, he picked nine pounds of cotton. Hules Sr. stated, “That was enough for him to go to the fields every day.” Hules was a dedicated and loyal worker. He worked on highway construction in Arkansas. He found employment at Coca-Cola Company, where he became the first Black Assistant Superintendent. He retired after 34 years of employment. He was always seeking education to reinvent himself. He was considered a jack of all trades. Those trades included entrepreneurship, such as a licensed barber, auto mechanics, heating and air conditioning, and co-ownership of the Crosstown Shell Gas Station.

Hules was a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather and a treasured friend to all who knew him. In our extended family, Hules (AKA Buck & Uncle Buck) is a celebrity most known for his humorous personality. Yes, he was someone you should know. He loved his family, and there was nothing that he wouldn’t do for them.

He enjoyed cooking, water skiing, fishing, gardening, and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife. They have traveled to all fifty states in America and abroad.

Hules leaves to cherish his memory four children, 15 grandchildren: Tiana McGee (Bryon), Vivianna Stewart, Joseph Dale (Anna), Tushunda Hill (Sean), Kenisha Dale, Tarron Owens, Shimea Stewart (Jermaine), Stacy Dale, Marc Dale Jr., Phillip Ownes Jr., Emmanuel Jeudy Jr., Aaron Williams, Ashley Williams, Tiara Shepherd, Tamera Shepherd, 20 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, and close friends.