Ezra G. Dale

Ezra Griffin “E.G.” Dale, age 97, of Leland, NC, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 23, 2023.
Ezra was born in Delco, NC to John Madison “Matt” Dale and Mary Catherine “Mamie” Dale on April 20, 1926. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Theodore, Warren, Edison, Charlie, Johnny, and Robert, sisters; Margaret Malpass, Dora Benson, Grace Benson, and Virginia Malpass. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Eleanor Hollis Dale.
He is survived by two daughters, Sandi Dale Williams, and Janet Dale Hall (Steve), grandchildren; Matthew Griffin Ferrell (Lissa), Marcus Ray Ferrell (Joni), Jonathan Drew Williams, and Kevin Dale Hall (Amanda), great-grandchildren; Stephanie Ferrell, twins Eddie and Mila Ferrell, twins Gus and Bryn Ferrell, Ava, Ella and Lily Hall, sister-in-law, Lois Dale, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ezra was a member of Piney Grove Advent Christian Church in Delco, NC. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and the last living charter member of Oak Island Hunting Club. He was a World War II Veteran serving in the United States Army as a rifleman and later a dental technician. The Lord blessed E.G., with a mind for business and he set out early in life to be an entrepreneur.
In his younger days, he worked in tobacco and the sawmill business. After that he owned and operated Bee Oil Company and Gas Station in Leland. Then he closed his gas and oil business and started Maintenance Inc., a lawn and maintenance company, employing over 100 people. He had maintenance contracts with Carolina Power and Light (CP&L), DuPont and other local businesses.
Years later he sold Maintenance Inc. thinking he would semi-retire (that got a chuckle from everyone who knew him). Soon he began buying and developing properties in Leland and surrounding areas resulting in the establishment of D&H Investors, M.I. Reality, and E.G. Dale Enterprise. He amazed his family, friends, and acquaintances with his ability to buy and sell real estate and to carry out the most complex business deals. Leland may very well be the thriving town that it is today because of Ezra Dale.
Despite his many accomplishments, Ezra did not enjoy being the center of attention or expect recognition. Honoring his character and wishes, a private graveside service with immediate family will be held.
A Public Viewing will be held on Thursday, July 27 from 9 AM to 5 PM at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 525 Village Road, Leland, 28451.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Camp Dixie, 373 Bladenboro Union Church Road, Fayetteville, NC 28306 or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation.
Please leave online condolences for the family on the Tribute Wall at www.wilmingtoncares.com