Dale B. Worden

Dale B. Worden, son of Harold and Louise Worden, was born on January 13, 1949, in Bronx, New York and passed away on September 10, 2025, surrounded by loved ones in his home in Orlando, Florida. He was baptized on October 23, 1949, by Norman Vincent Peele. He moved to Jamestown, New York in 1950, where baby sister, Sandy was born and they all lived with his Grandparents, Emmy and John Hanson, who came to the United States from Sweden in the early 1900’s. In 1956 he moved to Florida with his parents and sister. They first went to Key Biscayne to visit his Aunt and Uncle, before settling in Orlando for the remainder of his life. In 1959 the family welcomed baby brother John. Now a family of five, they took many beach trips, along with annual visits and reunions to Falls Church, Virginia, Jamestown, New York, and Miami, Florida to spend cherished times with close family and friends. Growing up Orlando, Dale attended Lake Como Elementary School, Howard Jr. High School, and graduated from Boone High School in 1967. He enjoyed many fun times riding bikes and playing football with the neighborhood kids, who all became lifelong friends. In his youth, Dale was a member of Audubon Park Covenant Church, where he was confirmed, and was very active in the Hi-League Youth Group, attending summer Bible Camp at Camp Moon. In the mid-60’s, the Madden family moved into the house next to his family’s home. Dale immediately fell in love with Teresa, the girl next door! They dated 4-5 years and in 1970, they were married and then welcomed their daughter, Karrie, in 1973. Dale loved her so much and was always proud of her, and very thankful they could face time from the hospital and home. In the mid-70’s, Dale met Pat Fulghum, who became his loving partner for over 30 years. He was a positive male role model and father figure to Renee, and the best partner Pat could ever ask for. He loved them and Renee’s grandmother unconditionally. When Dave, his grandson, came along, they became best friends, and partners in crime. After Pat and Dave passed away, Dale and Renee were lost, but thanks to Jimmy, they found their way back to each other as if time had never stopped. Dale spent most of his adult career doing what he loved--custom auto interiors for classic and vintage cars and trucks, several of which he personally owned and treasured. This led him to his involvement with local car clubs, including participating in car shows and earning many trophies. He was always so proud of his work. His childhood love of tractors also became part of his personal possessions. One of his tractors still stands in front of Fresh Field Farms in Orlando. Dale loved riding his motorcycle around central Florida with his family and friends and even won a motorcycle from the church fundraiser raffle! Friday lunches with his hot rod friends were always a staple of his social life, along with everyone just hanging out in his shop—the garage he built in 1988! Dale fought a good fight against metastatic melanoma cancer that spread to his lungs, lymph nodes and brain. He remained very strong, positive and hopeful throughout the whole process. Now he’s resting peacefully in the arms of Jesus and having a joyous reunion with family and friends. He will forever be our Angel, watching over all of us from above. Dale is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Louise Worden, his partner, Pat Fulghum, their grandson, David Holbert, and his great granddaughter, Elizabeth Curry, along with several aunts, uncles, cousins and many very close friends. He is survived by daughters, Karrie Linke (Ryan) of Bethlehem, New Hampshire and Renee Gandy of Orlando, son, Jimmy Holbert (Becky) of Beaufort, South Carolina, grandson, Collin Curry (Krystine) and great granddaughter, Emilee Curry of St. Cloud, sister, Sandy Pickett (Barry) of Orlando, and brother, John Worden (Laura) of Greer, South Carolina, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 11th at 1:30 p.m. at Audubon Park Covenant Church, 3219 Chelsea St., Orlando, Florida, 32803.

Dale B. Worden

January 13, 1949 - September 10, 2025