Dale Clay Troupe, Sr., was born in Forrest City, Arkansas on June 28, 1934, to Reverend G. G. Troupe and Mrs. Polly Davis Troupe. He passed away on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, in Chattanooga.
He was the youngest of 11 children all preceding him in death except one sister, Dorothy Etherly. At age 16, after high school, Dale moved to Detroit, Michigan. Soon thereafter he married Shirley Mae Young, to this union of 18 years came three children; Teria Horne, Tamara Cook and Dale Troupe, Jr.
Dale worked 36 years at the U.S. Post Office where he retired. After retirement he moved to Chattanooga, where he remarried with Wendelyn Acklin. To this union of 16 years, they had one child, Clinton Troupe. Dale enjoyed playing solitaire, gardening, cooking, dancing and staying physically fit (exercising at the gym three times a week for decades). Most of all, he enjoyed spiritual activities, having accepted Christ at an early age. Dale became a Reverend and taught the Bible with anyone that he could. He sang at funerals, churches, and nursing homes with a voice that many called beautiful. Dale did all of this to the best of his abilities until his very last days. Around Chattanooga many called him the singing preacher. The singing preacher will be missed.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, four children, Teria, Tamara, Dale Jr., and Clinton; one sister, Dorothy; nine grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 5, in the chapel of the John P Franklin Funeral Home.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995.