Dale G. Browder, Jr. was born on April 19, 1962 in Virginia Beach, VA. He was the third child, and only son, of DeLena and Dale Browder, Sr. He graduated from Cox High School and Norfolk State University. He took great pride in being the only Virginia Beach native in our family, having been born in the original Va. Beach Hospital on 25th Street.
Following a family legacy of teaching in Virginia Beach schools, Dale spent his career of 25 years as a physical education teacher in several middle schools, including Plaza and Corporate Landing.
Dale loved sports and participated as a player and coach on many teams. He began playing community league football in elementary school and continued playing at Lynnhaven Middle School, Cox High School and Norfolk State University, excelling as a punter and place kicker. He also played for the Norfolk Neptunes, a semi-pro football team, resulting in tryouts for two professional football teams. He coached football and was privileged to touch the lives of many young people throughout his teaching and coaching career.
One of the activities he enjoyed most was surfing the waves of Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks. After he retired he often headed off to the Outer Banks to go camping and surfing with his beloved dog, Tyrone. He found golfing was a relaxing pastime and took pleasure in playing with his brother-in-law, Mike and his “other-Father,” Bill Sexton.
Also following the family tradition, Dale was a lifelong Washington Redskins fan. He loved watching every game and analyzing each play from his player/coach perspective. Each new season brought renewed hope that maybe THIS would be the year that the Redskins would be more successful…
Dale was one of the funniest people we’ve ever known. His creative mind and quick wit made him a consummate entertainer. He always kept us laughing with crazy stories and corny jokes, which often made him the featured comedian at any gathering. Dale was a friend to many people, and the joy and laughter he extended will be deeply missed.
Dale passed away very unexpectedly on Thursday, August 31st. He was predeceased by his parents, Dale and DeLena Browder. His family members left to treasure his memory are: his two sisters; DeLena Poe and her husband Ken; Danya Horton and her husband, Mike; his nephew, Zach Horton, Molik Midgley and niece, Natalie Hood; his niece, Arielle Mitchell and her husband Marcus; his nephew, Josh Poe and his wife Mandy, grandnephew Asa and grandniece Ellie, nephew Emmanuel Ambane his wife Allison and grandnieces Camilla and Soleil; and his stepchildren, Kent Parkhurst and Maddy Bowles, along with many cousins and dear friends.
Dale spent his entire life attending Virginia Beach Community Chapel, serving in several ministries including music and building security. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 8th at 3:30 p.m. at Virginia Beach Community Chapel, 1261 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Visitation with the family will follow at the home of DeLena and Ken Poe.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Holly Morgan at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 1801 Baltic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Condolences may be given at www.altmeyerfh.com
I will always remember him as the local Bay Island kid who practiced kicking field goals over the power lines in front of his house. RIP.
Mr Browder was my PE teacher from 6th-8th grade at CLMS from 2003-2005 . I loved having him as my teacher! I am so sad to hear he passed! Rest in peace Mr Browder! You will be missed!
I worked with Dale at CLMS for years. He also taught my son Charles. Charles loved him as a teacher and I loved him as a colleague and friend. He loved Jesus and was a guiding light to me as a brother in Christ. I’m sad that his ministry is over but I know he is having a grand time being home with his Savior. Rest in peace Dale… job well done! I’ll see you when mine is done!
I worked with Dale at CLMS for many years. He was also my daughter’s MS softball coach at Lynnhaven. He exuded positivity regardless of what was going on around him. When asked, “How are you”, he replied “Just right”. My condolences to his family and friends.
I met Dale at CLMS. What a fun person to be around. We would become good friends and got together on weekends. He will be missed greatly!
i will always remember some of the jokes he said and his kind heart, he will be missed. my condolences God bless.
I was fortunate enough to have worked with Dale for many years at CLMS. He was a fantastic human being and a blast to have around. I remember in my first or second year at CL I was preparing for our outdoor end of year celebration for our students and Dale excitedly asked me if I wanted to know how to get up on the roof so he could show me where he throws the water balloons from. That was Dale, always trying to have fun. He made every day more pleasant with his huge smile and boyish charm. He will be missed. My thoughts go out to DeLena, Ken, Josh, and all of the family.
Dale was a great neighbor to have next door. He was always funny with jokes to tell and witty! He loved his beloved friend Tyrone and loved life. I am very grateful that I was able to know him. He will be missed by all. May you rest in peace Dale.
Dale was a Bay Island buddy and a dear friend through school – always very sweet , kind – and had a great smile ! I haven’t seen him as an adult sadly but I’ll never forget what a good guy he was when I knew him in our younger days ! God Bless his Family – I’m terribly sorry for your loss ! It’s heartbreaKing 💔. I’m so sorry .
Lana “Slawson” Ponsonby – (Winward Shore drive ) and Cox High School .
I am so sorry to see this. Dale was always a happy guy. I remember him always joking at Bumper Boats. Hugs to you all. Pam Hillquist Farraher