Dale R. Southworth, 83, of Jekyll Island, passed away on December 25, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones at the Hospice of the Golden Isles in Brunswick.

Born on June 26, 1942, in Kalamazoo, Michigan to the late Maynard and Marie Southworth. He grew up in Schoolcraft, Michigan and attended primary school then went on to graduate from Schoolcraft High School. After graduating high school, Dale went on to attend and graduate from Kalamazoo College, graduating with a degree in Sociology. While in high school and college, he was an all-star basketball player. During his college years, he met the first love of his life, Ginny. During their 40 years of marriage, they had four children; Michael, James, Stephen, and Kara. After visiting Jekyll Island regularly for vacation, he and Ginny decided to make Jekyll Island their permanent home.

During his lifetime, Dale wore many career hats including; 12 years at General Foods, owning his own ice cream shop for 20 plus years, 16 years in Golf Operations with Jekyll Island Authority, retiring in 2014. After deciding that retirement was not for him, he was employed at Heritage Oaks Golf Club in Oak Grove Island up until his passing.

During his free time Dale enjoyed playing golf, watching University of Michigan football and basketball, spending time with his children, grandchildren, family, friends, and of course his sweetie Chris. Dale especially enjoyed getting in the kitchen and cooking whether it was by himself or with any of his loved ones. If you knew Dale, you knew dinner time was accompanied by his favorite drink, a glass of red wine merlot.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Maynard and Marie; his paternal and maternal grandparents; sister, Janet Parker and grandson, Tyler Southworth.

Dale is survived by his children, Michael Southworth (Kathy) of Michigan; James Southworth (Vickie) of Missouri, Stephen Southworth (Amy) of Michigan, Kara Parker (Scott) of Michigan; grandchildren, Veronica Southworth, Alex Southworth, Sarah Southworth, Abby Southworth, Kylie Southworth, Gabby Southworth; great grandchildren, Evelyn and Savannah; brother, David Southworth (Cindy) of Florida, several nieces and nephews, as well as his sweetie for the last 23 years, Christell Harris of Brunswick.

A memorial service to honor Dale's life will be held Wednesday, December 31st, at 2:00 P.M at Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home, with a visitation beginning hour prior, 1:00 P.M.

Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home is honored to assist the family of Dale Southworth.