Richard Dale Church

Mr. Richard Dale Church, 90, of Yadkinville passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 18, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 19, 1934, to the late Richard “Dick” and Eulah Shore Church. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his cherished wife of 38 years, Virginia “Ginger” Myers Church, sisters Modean Gilbert and Thyra Wagoner, and a great granddaughter, Carol Lynn Triplett. He is survived by his daughters, Dale Church Triplett and Anita Church Issa, Grandchildren, Lane (Candace) Triplett, Alli Pendergrass (Chris Whitt), and Lauren (Shyea) Davis, and Nohr Issa. Great grandchildren, Bleu and Landree Pendergrass, Cohen and Merritt Davis, and Hendrix Triplett. A brother, Wayne (Johnette) Church, sister-in-law, Jonnie Groce, and many nieces and nephews. His loyal dog Hank, and many other grand pups he has loved along the way.

Richard signed a pro-contract with the Boston Red Sox in August 1954 to play professional baseball. Once graduating from Jacksonville high school in 1955 he left for Ocala, FL to begin his baseball career for spring training. He pitched for many organizations during this time which gained him the opportunity to get signed with the New York Yankees. Upon returning home, he served in the US Army at Fort Jackson for two years. He then began his career at R.J.R. Archer where he retired after twenty-seven years to enjoy traveling, playing golf, and watching his grandchildren play ball. He spent many years volunteering for the PGA, an avid member of the Yadkin Country Club, and was a member of the First Baptist Church, Yadkinville, NC for over fifty years, where he also served as a Deacon, and gained many lifelong friendships.

His funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Gentry Family Chapel in Yadkinville. Burial will follow at Yadkin Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Wednesday from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville.

His daughters and family would like to thank his medical staff that have assisted them throughout the years with his medical care. Special Thanks to Dr. Anthony Kummer and his staff at Winston-Salem Novant Health Adult Primary Care. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 516 Hawthorne Drive, Yadkinville, NC 27055.

Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Church family. Online condolences can be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.