Dale Franklin Hibbard left this world and entered his Heavenly home on March 1, 2023 surrounded by his loving wife and adoring daughters. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Hibbard; his infant son, Seth Hibbard; brother-in-law, Randy Carlisle. Survivors include his wife, Renee Carlisle Hibbard; daughters, Randi Winn McSwain (Chris) and Francie Brown (Tyler); doting grandgirls Lilly Kate, Julianna, and Elizabeth McSwain and Loralei, Lowrie Jo, and Tynslee Brown; precious niece, Cami Weekly (Timothy); best friend, Hal Maulden (Phyllis); mother, Delia Thomas; brother, Mark Hibbard (Nellie); sisters, Debbie Hale, Francene Lopez (Phil), and Belinda Godin; sisters-in-law Brenda Greene (Calvin) and Theresa Carlisle Lowe (Reuben); and countless close nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
Despite his down-home Southern nature, Dale was originally from Corning, California and moved to Georgia with his family in 1970. It was easy to make friends because Dale never met a stranger. He graduated from Cass High School in 1977, and enjoyed class reunions and events with a group of people who bonded so well they are still gathering over 40 years later. Dale’s first love was the Lord Jesus Christ, who knew his name and comforted his heart. Not only was Dale a faithful member of Rowland Springs Baptist Church, but he was the hands and feet of Christ everywhere he went, never wasting an opportunity to meet a need of those less fortunate.
Dale was an avid and excellent golfer who was loved and enjoyed by his golf buddies, who were like family to him. Gardening was another love, and with it he taught his family how to plow, plant, grow, harvest, and give. When it came to tomatoes, quantity was almost as important as quality, and he made sure everyone he knew (or drove down Dean Road) had a garden tomato each summer. Many of Dale’s friends knew him as a die-hard Bama fan. He also helped organize the first girls fast-pitch softball travel team in Bartow County, Dixie Heat, where was loved by all players and parents.
Dale was trained well by his own father to be a hard worker and a patriot, so much so that his buddies gave him the nickname “The Grinder,” because he was always hard at work. At 16 years of age, Dale began working for Cartersville Spinning, which later became Mohawk Industries. He worked there 36 years, until they closed up shop in Cartersville. Even during those years, he worked side gigs including recycling and running his own business, Hibbard insulation. Later he worked for ATR and Syncot Plastics until retirement. After retirement he worked as a porter for Calliber Collision, even after his cancer diagnosis. The common threads throughout his career were his work ethic, loyalty, fun-spirited nature, and ability to gain the admiration and love of all who were blessed to work with him.
Dale’s love for his family was supreme over his devotion to all other things. He was a faithful and supportive husband to his loving wife and best friend, Renee, for 42 years—willing to move mountains to demonstrate his love for her. His love for his two daughters was matchless, as was his devotion to his grandgirls. Dale wasn’t just daddy—he was coach, storyteller, kick-the can champion, teacher, counselor, musician, shoulder to cry on, and safe place to fall. To his grandgirls he was their world. He taught them how to laugh, find joy in simple things, work hard to earn something, tend to animals and a garden, and how to love with your whole being. He gave us his all, and we gave him ours.
Rowland Springs Baptist Church will host the visitation for friends and family on Friday, March 3 rd from 5:00-8:00pm and the celebration of life service on Saturday, March 5 th at 2:00pm. Presiding over the service will be Reverend Joseph Ringwalt. Pallbearers are Steve Barnes, Tony Milam, Keith Wilson, Alvin Adcock, Toby Howard, JR Thomas, Eric Strickland, Bill Chandler, Buzz Ballard and Jeff York. Honorary Pallbearers are Donald Moore, Lamar Payne, Lamar Starnes, Ronald Nally, Jimmy Rutledge, and Mike Key.
