Georgia Funeral Care
http://georgiafuneralcare.com
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.
LINKS
The Daily Tribune News
http://daily-tribune.com
Memories
Gallery
Guestbook