In memory of Robert "Bob" Bruce Dale

Robert Bruce Dale, a longtime leader in America's textile industry, passed away on March 30, 2022, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, surrounded by family and friends. He was 75.

 

The cause of death was acute myeloid leukemia.

 

Much admired for his business, marketing, and leadership skills, he was a top figure in textiles from the early 1970s until the early 2000s, serving in a number of senior executive roles, including president of Fieldcrest Cannon and Karastan Carpets. His business acumen was matched only by his athletic skills. He was an exceptional athlete, a lover of competitive sports, particularly tennis, soccer, baseball, basketball, and a scratch golfer with four holes-in-one.

 

But it was in his professional career that Bob Dale became the stuff of legend among those who knew him and loved him as a mentor and inspiration. "He was the kind of boss everybody dreams about," said Mike Gray, who reported directly to Bob at Fieldcrest. "Smart and demanding, but with a management style that allowed us to enjoy our jobs every day." Business associate and longtime friend Kevin Finlay remembers: "Bob knew the business as well as anybody. He was a fierce competitor, physically strong, mentally tough, and a very likable guy."

 

Bob Dale was a graduate of Franklin Pierce College and Harvard's Advanced Management Program, as well as post graduate programs at the University of Virginia and the Wharton Business School, among others.

 

He is survived by his sons, Bryan Dale and Garrett Dale, sisters Patricia Toogood and Bonny Rogers, brother Douglas Dale, five grandchildren and his longtime partner, Lisa Williamson.

---

Obituary as seen in the New York Times on April 3, 2022: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/nytimes/name/robert-dale-obituary?id=34025034

 

---

 

Join us in making a difference to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Any donation will help make an impact.

 

Thank you in advance for your thoughtful contribution.