Dale Thomas Beerbower, a well-
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Peggy McMichael Beerbower; son Kenneth Beerbower, of Austin, Texas (child Kinna Beerbower); daughter Pamela Beerbower Clubb, of Jacksonville, Florida (husband John and their children, Bethany and Madison); several nieces and nephews.
Dale was born June 15, 1938 in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, the only child of Margaret Ruhl Beerbower and Lynne Forrest Beerbower. He came to Jacksonville as a young child, and attended local schools, graduating from Andrew Jackson High School. As a child, he demonstrated an interest in baseball and he played for hours in the baseball park behind his house. Dale pitched the first baseball game for Jacksonville University. Eventually, Dale signed a contract with the New York Giants Baseball Club, and played professional baseball for two seasons. In the off season, he played soccer for JU. Unfortunately, while playing soccer for the state championship, he received a knee injury, ending his pitching career.
Dale earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Jacksonville University, and he received a Master’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Florida State University. His professional experience included the following: Police Officer of Jacksonville, Manpower Development Specialist for the Department of Justice in Atlanta, GA, Criminal Justice Program Specialist in Washington D.C., Inspector General for the Selective Service System in Washington D.C., Director of Department of Public Safety for Jacksonville, FL, and Assistant Management Specialist for the Fire and Rescue Department for Jacksonville, FL. Throughout the years, he wrote, published, and presented articles and papers on Criminal Justice topics. He also received numerous awards, honors, and fellowships, ranging from a certificate of appreciation from President Jimmy Carter to a certificate of appreciation from the Chairman of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. One of his proudest achievements included his induction into the Hall of Fame for Criminal Justice at Florida State University. He also served on advising boards or councils for Jacksonville University, University of North Florida, Kiwanis Club, Department of Corrections, and Convention and Visitors Bureau.
In retirement, he stayed busy as a consultant for several security companies in Jacksonville, FL. When he made time, he played an above average golf game with family or friends. Dale also loved spending time boating and fishing with his son-
Dale was member of Fruit Cove Baptist Church. He accepted Christ as Savior as a young man, and he attended First Baptist Church in downtown Jacksonville for many years.
A Visitation will be held on November 1, 2016 from 5 pm to 7 pm in Hardage-
A Funeral Service will be held on November 2, 2016 at 1 pm. in Hardage-
Interment will immediately follow the service at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville 32207.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32257.