"We were so sorry to hear the sad news of Dale's untimely death. Dale was well liked, a fine writer and a great enthusiast of drag racing. He will be much missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Fran and family members in your loss. With our kindest remembrances, Vic & Sue Moore"
In loving memory of
Dale S. Wilson Jr
September 23, 1944 - May 21, 2014
Dale Wilson of Alpharetta, GA passed away suddenly Wednesday afternoon, May 21, 2014. An award-winning newspaper and magazine journalist, Dale had many hobbies including watercolors, model railroading, and sailing. His true passion was drag racing. He will be remembered by many as the man who brought national magazine coverage to the little guy racer as the editor of Bracket Racing USA magazine and then Drag Racing USA magazine. In earlier years, he also wrote for Super Stock and Drag Illustrated, CarCraft and many other national drag racing media. He had his first drag racing article published at the age of 16 when he submitted weekly drag racing results to a local Birmingham, AL, newspaper. In addition to writing professionally about drag racing, Dale and his wife of 34 years, Fran Gaudsmith, bracket raced at tracks throughout the Southeast. Dale was well known for his front engine dragster and was dubbed "Double A Dale" by his friends. Prior to editing magazines, Dale was a photojournalist for The Tampa Times, The Tampa Tribune, The Montgomery Advertiser, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In addition to his wife, Dale is survived by a brother, Charles Wilson, of Ocala, Florida, his brother- and sister-in-law, Michael and Portia Bennett, and many nieces and nephews. His beloved dogs Sadie and Joey will mourn his loss. Dale was born on September 23, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of Dale and Vera Wilson. They relocated to Birmingham, Alabama, where Dale attended elementary and high school. He was in the Air Force in the Vietnam era and left the Air Force in 1971 to attend college at Memphis State. He graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in magazine journalism in 1972. He will be remembered for his ability to find a story to tell wherever he looked and making the everyday person feel like they were the most important person in the world.
Tributes
"It was always a pleasure to run into Dale at the races. We were just casual acquaintances but I appreciated our brief conversations over the years. Rest in Peace from all the guys at the Hog Mountain Garage."
"The Good Hearted "Punk Kid." Dale "Sparky" Wilson was a good friend of one of my older brothers and our neighbor for a number of years while growing up in Birmingham, AL. One day while outside playing with other neighborhood kids, I announced I had to go inside and get ready for a date. I don't remember exactly what he said, but Sparky made a smart remark about me still playing around like a kid when I was 16 years old. I remember I didn't like Dale very much back then and no doubt it showed in my attitude toward him. My attitude was probably part of why he smarted off. Nevertheless, I looked toward him and my face must have shown his remark hit hard. Through the years I'd heard good things from my brother and my Dad about Dale's successful writing career which of course was wonderful to know. But after his family moved it was more than 40 years before our paths crossed again. Dale came up to me at a high school reunion and re-introduced himself and introduced his lovely wife, Fran. One of the first things Dale said was he wanted to apologize for something he'd said to me long ago and didn't know if I'd remember it. I couldn't believe he remembered it! His apology was so sincere and with quick humor he added something to the effect of, "I was such a smart aleck punk kid," He also spoke about how my dad and another neighbor's dad had helped him back then by spending time encouraging him, one to use his innate intellgence and the other by helping him to build up his physical strength. I looked toward Fran, who had stood there quietly listening and admiring Dale, and said I was stunned he remembered such an insignificant event as that remark. She said, "He never forgets anything." I believe it. What kind of man would make the effort to humbly acknowledge a small hurt done so many years ago to someone he hadn't seen in 40+ years and compliment the efforts of 2 neighbors from those long ago years? I say a real man. That was Dale Wilson, Jr. By the way all during our visit he never once mentioned his own career successes. The encounter that evening with Dale and Fran truly touched me and still resounds within when I think of it. Your heart gave out, Dale, but your loving spirit still lives with those who knew you--even for just a little while. A life well done; RIP."
"Fran, Hold tight to memories for comfort and may Gods grace and the love of those around you help you through the difficult days ahead. Love you."
"He always fought the good fight; Dale will be missed. "
"Dale was the one who pushed me to write more and be who I am. A humble man who had a passion for our sport and I think right now is trying to convince God to build some lo-buck Stocker. His short and to the point phone calls will always be on my mind. Rest in peace buddy and make sure bracket racing stays alive up there."
"Dale was a great guy and wonderful writer, he was one of the people you during your lifetime who got it! His insight into drag racing was always spot on. Over the twenty plus years we knew one another we always had great chats and many great times at the race track. One thing I admired about Dale was his love and devotion to Fran his soul mate."
"I've known Dale for well over thirty years. We both pounded the keyboard for the old Super Stock & Drag Illustrated. I eventually went on to become the editor of Musclecars magazine and Dale crafted stories for me. Then we switched roles. Dale became the editor of Bracket Racing USA and I crafted articles for him. Mr. Wilson was at the top of his game. Dale was a tireless cheerleader for the sport of drag racing. His passion was unwavering - his zeal touched racers nationwide and it showed. They universally respected him. And if you look up "Good Guy" in the dictionary, I'm positive you'll find a picture of Dale Wilson. I'll miss you terribly Dale. But in your own words, "You had a good run". God Speed my friend. You were the best. Wayne Scraba "
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