Dale Coe Fitzgerald
On the evening of July 15, 2024, Dale Coe Fitzgerald passed away peacefully at his home in Ooltewah, Tennessee.
Dale was born in Lebanon, Tn., on Oct. 29, 1955, the son of Frank Walker Fitzgerald and Ruby Coe Fitzgerald. He was raised in Lafayette, Tn., with his brother, Frank. Dale spent his youth farming and helping his beloved aunt, Annie Fitzgerald Butler and uncle, Hugh Butler, at their drug store.
Dale graduated from Macon County High School in 1973 before attending Tennessee Technological Institute where he earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Chemistry. He was a member of the Eta Delta chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity while in school, an organization he held close to his heart throughout his life. Dale finished his education with a Bachelor of Pharmacy from Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy in 1982.
Dale’s passion for medicine became a distinguished 35-year career, caring for thousands of patients and customers. Beginning in Tullahoma, Tn., Dale soon moved to Hendersonville, Tn., where he was pharmacist to many country music stars such as Johnny Cash and Joan Carter Cash, Waylan Jennings, Conway Twitty, and dear friend, Wynona Judd.
After marriage in 1990, Dale moved to Ooltewah, where he eventually worked for Bi-Lo/Food City at the East Brainerd Road store over the final 20 years of his career.
Outside of work, Dale’s jovial spirit shined through in the myriad jokes and stories he was always ready to share. Dale loved the game of golf, watching Jeopardy in the evening, and enjoying good Southern comfort food.
Dale was a member of Ridgedale Baptist Church, the Tennessee Pharmacists Association, the Chattanooga Rifle Club, and was a Tennessee Squire.
Dale was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Mary Catherine Tallant
Dale is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Tallant Fitzgerald; son, Edward Walker Fitzgerald; brother, Frank Walker Fitzgerald and sister-in-law, Susan Fitzgerald; nieces and nephews, Katy, Rob, Laura and Sarah; 16 grand-nieces and nephews; father-in-law, Carl Edward Tallant; sister-in-law, Carla Tallant McCrary and brother-in-law, Kent McCrary; niece and nephew, Cole and Kailey.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Annie Fitzgerald Butler/ Knollwood Scholarship Fund, 405 Times Avenue, Lafayette, Tn. 37083, an organization that grants scholarships to perspective medical students in need.
The family is grateful to the many who loved and cared for Dale throughout his life and career.
The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, at the funeral home.
A Graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. EST (Noon CST) on Friday, July 19, at the Old Fitzgerald Cemetery in Celina, Tn., with Dr. Doug Plumlee officiating.
Please visit www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com to share your memories of Dale.
Arrangements are by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.