DALE AUSTIN COURTNEY

Fort Worth, Texas - Dale Austin Courtney passed away peacefully Saturday morning, five days before his 92nd birthday. He was born to Edward Dale and Mignon Josephine Bailey Courtney at the family home in Picayune, Mississippi. In 1953, Dale enlisted in the U. S. Army and served for six years. He then enlisted in the U. S. Air Force and served 18 years. A boom operator in the Strategic Air Command, he became a Master Sergeant. Dale received the Air Medal for meritorious achievement while taking part in an aerial flight during Vietnam. His passion in the service was flying and after he retired, he obtained his Commercial Pilot’s and Instructor’s Licenses. 

Dale owned and operated several businesses including an international private plane service, manager of several drug stores and a convenience store.

A hard worker and a devoted and loving husband and father, Dale always made time for his family and friends. He was active in his church and served many years evangelizing, teaching and doing mission outreach in his community. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Wilma, his sister, Mavis, his brothers, Douglas and Joe, and his grandson, Randall.

Dale is survived his children, Rick and Belinda, Ginger and Jim, Debbie and Monty, Beverly and Mark, Robert and Cathy, Karen and Chuck, Joe and Lynda; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, whom he cherished; and his brother, Earl.

A Celebration of His Life will be held at 12 pm Monday, February 3, in the Chapel at Harper & Lucas, formerly ROBERTSON MUELLER HARPER.  His service at the funeral home will be LIVESTREAMED on the funeral home's website, robertsonmuellerharper.com.  Following Military Honors at 2:15 pm Monday, February 3, at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, he will be laid to rest with his wife, Wilma.

In lieu of flowers, consideration of contributions to the American Cancer Society, cancer.org., in his memory, is suggested.