Dale Allen Smith

Dale A. Smith, of Hoschton, GA, passed away away on September 11, 2014. Mr. Smith was born in Fremont, OH and reared in Helena, Gibsonburg, and Toledo, OH. A graduate of the Thomas A. DeVilbiss High School in Toledo, he attended the University of Michigan before entering the US Army, where he served more than three years with the 70th General Hospital in both North Africa (Algeria) and Pistoia, Italy. He was awarded the Victory Medal with a Bronze Star for meritorious service.



Mr. Smith graduated with a BA in Economics from Denison University, Granville, OH, where he was President of Beta Theta Pi and captain of the wrestling team. It was there that Mr. Smith initiated a 65-year-long membership in the Center Star Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio.



Mr. Smith began his broadcasting career in radio sales with the George Storer stations WLOK (Lima, OH) and WTOD (Toledo, OH). He was a National Sales Manager for Crosley Broadcasting in Cincinnati before joining WLW-D in Dayton, OH as General Sales Manager. Mr. Smith relocated to Atlanta in 1963 as National Sales Manager of WSB-TV and was promoted to Station Manager shortly thereafter.



Following his successful 17-years in broadcast management with Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises, he was appointed President/COO of WPBA/TV 30 and WPBA/FM 90. Unwilling to retire and firmly believing he had much more to contribute, Mr. Smith created Broadcasting Professionals Inc., a prominent agency representing many of Atlanta's premier on-air media talent.



Mr. Smith was a long-standing member of the Atlanta Salvation Army Financial Advisory Board where he played a key role in establishing a home for troubled teens, giving them an opportunity for a better future. He was instrumental in founding the Church of St. Andrew (Presbyterian) in Atlanta. Mr. Smith was a private pilot whose most memorable flight experience was logging 21 minutes time in a United States Navy Blue Angels A-4 Skyhawk II during a 1.5 hour excursion. He was an avid runner and other lifelong interests included handball, tennis, hiking and traveling.



He is survived by his wife, Jan D. Smith; two sons, Randall D. Smith of Dahlonega, GA and Bennett S. Smith (Lynn) of Marietta, GA; daughter, Tracey J. Smith (Dave) of Denver, CO; four grandchildren, Cameron Smith El-Bayadi, Morgan Smith, Chandler Smith and Elena "Lanie" Smith; and his beloved Westies, "Peaches" and "Abby".



Dale Smith will be deeply missed by his family and friends and fondly remembered for his engaging personality, positive outlook on life and penchant for telling a captivating story or two. A private family memorial service to celebrate his life will be held in Gibsonburg, OH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Atlanta Chapter of the Salvation Army.



Memorial Park South Funeral Home, 4121 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542 is in charge of arrangements. Send on-line condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.