Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Dale Gene Huffman was born to Warren & Delores Huffman in Libertyville, Illinois. Raised in the
small village of Mundelein, Dale, his parents, and his older siblings, Richard and Linda, moved
to Southern California in 1961, trading snowy and cold winters on the ice for sunny, warm breezes.
If there is one word to describe Dale, it would be faithful.
Forever loyal to his San Diego Padres, he continually kept the faith, heartbreaking season after
heartbreaking season, ending each September with “Next year’s our year!” Some of his family’s
most cherished memories with Dale are at Qualcomm Stadium, and later Petco Park, cheering
on his team, whether they were down by 10 in the 9th inning or if it was tied at 11:00 at night in
the 17th inning.
Dale was also faithful to his work. While it would be easy to simply call Dale a workaholic, that
demeans what he did Monday through Friday (and weekends during January through April). He
spent over 40 years practicing and continually learning as an accountant and CPA. He built his
own business, eventually merging to form Leone, Huffman & Associates. Dale had so much to
be proud of as a businessman, but he always remained humble. His care for each and every
one of his clients went beyond filing tax returns. He became a mentor and confidante.
His faithfulness extended even further to his church. Serving as a worship leader, treasurer, and
elder at Cornerstone Church of Escondido, Dale certainly left his mark on not only the church
family, but the surrounding community. He joyfully participated in Sunday School classes, Home
Groups, and more. Whether he was directing dinner theaters as outreach, leading a gaggle of
kids as a crew leader during Vacation Bible School, or cleaning up wreckage at homes
devastated by the wildfires that blew through San Diego, Dale took joy in helping others and
sharing God’s love.
This loyalty to his sports teams, business, and to his church were nothing compared to his
loyalty to Sally, his wife of 41 years. Together, Dale and Sally built their family on a foundation of
love and friendship, centered on Christ.
Their kids, Jason, Michael, and Sarah grew up feeling the unconditional love and acceptance of
their parents. Through trials and triumphs, Dale and Sally guided and celebrated each of them.
Dale found joy in his family - whether they were exploring the waterfalls in Maui, riding the
waves of “It’s a Small World”, cheering on the struggling Padres at Petco Park, or crowding
around the TV in his living room, Dale’s happy place was wherever his family was.
Dale is survived by a full family: wife, Sally; sons and their wives, Jason and Julie, and Michael
and Elaine; daughter and her husband, Sarah and Matthew; grandchildren, Noah, Hannah,
Ellie, and Clementine; parents, Warren and Delores; and brother, Richard.
Dale lived Matthew 5:16: “…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good
works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” At work, at the ballpark, at church, at
home, and everywhere Dale went, he spread the joy and love of Christ. The legacy he left
behind is filled with and centered on Christ.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dale Gene Huffman, please visit our floral store.
American Cancer Society - CCE Cares
Web: https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR/RelayForLife/RFLCY20WER?team_id=2517603&pg=team&fr_id=95975