Dale J. Willis, Sr, 85, went to be with the Lord, passing away peacefully on August 26, 2021. Dale
or "Smoke" as he was known to his teammates on the University of Florida Baseball Team, was
born in Calhoun, GA on May 29, 1936. He was a devoted husband to the love of his life Beth, his
wife of 46 years.
After Dale graduated from Robert E Lee High School in 1954, he attended University of Florida
on a baseball scholarship. He excelled at baseball and was inducted into the Gator Athletic Hall
of Fame in 1977 and also named to Gators Top 50 players of All Time. He led the Gators to the
SEC championship in 1956. After college, he pitched for the Kansas City Athletics until injury
forced his retirement in 1961.
Dale retired as President from Sims Crane & Equipment Company in 1998 and spent his time
enjoying his favorite pastimes, traveling in the RV, agitating Beth, and playing golf. He was also a
dog lover and had many four-legged friends over the years.
Dale is survived by his loving wife Beth, daughter Tami Bradley, sons Dale Jerome Willis Jr, Jeff
Willis, Kevin Willis, Vince Bradley, 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, sister Patsy June
Greeson and nephew Mark Williamson.
Private services will be held in Brandon, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations
be made to the Saladino Baseball Tournament. Checks can be mailed to:

Saladino Baseball Tournament
Attn: Tammy Bradley
708 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Brandon, Florida 33511