On Monday, January 22, 2023, Dale Wheeler Rourk transitioned to the gates of heaven at the young age of 68. Dale was born on May 7, 1954, in Hampton, Virginia. He was one of seven children born to the late Wheeler Harm Rourk and Carrie Mae Cox-Rourk.
Dale became a vital part of the Hampton Roads Community as a youth that continued into adulthood. He was very active in the community with his talent for playing numerous musical instruments for the community and church. After Dale graduated from Pembroke High School in 1972, he followed in his father's footsteps and joined the military. He served proudly in the United States Army, before pursuing a career with the United States Government in Virginia until his retirement. Throughout his movement, Dale never lost his love for music, and he played the drums for numerous churches and organizations within the community.
In more recent years, you could find him constantly boasting about and deeply loving his daughters; Mia Williams and Tia Arreola, and his grandchildren; Shara, Shaquora, Devin, Shardai, and Sharyah. He spent years sharing his love and knowledge for life, music, and education with his children and grandchildren, which was his world. You could often find him rhythmically beating on his drum to the music in his beautiful mind or spending quality time with his cherished and beloved dog, “Shorty”.
Dale was known to his family, friends, and community as a man with charm, wit, and wisdom. He was an educator at heart and prided himself on learning and sharing his knowledge on any subject matter. His infectious smile could light up any room and bring joy to those around him. He loved his family, but his love extended beyond just his family; he had a wide circle of friends, including his musical brothers and church family. Dale recently followed his heart and turned his life over again to Christ by joining Living Waters Tabernacle Church. He will be missed dearly but his light will continue to shine through the love of his family.
He leaves to cherish his memories: His daughters and grandchildren; Mia Williams (Hampton, VA), Tia (Anthony) Arreola (JB Andrews, MD), five grandchildren; Shara Williams (Atlanta, GA), Shaquora Williams (Hampton, VA), Devin Jenkins (Sumter, South Carolina), Shardai Williams (Hampton, Virginia), Sharyah Williams (Hampton, Virginia); His two sisters: Helen Rourk (Stafford, VA), Carolyn Burrell (Hampton, VA) and special friend Philomena Whitehead. Also, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Family members who proceeded him in death: Daughter, Trina Dell Rourk; Parents, Wheeler & Carrie Rourk, Sisters, Della Rourk, Mary “Lilly” Rourk-Jackson; Brothers, Joe Rourk and Maurice Rourk.
It is the desire of the Rourk family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
The family of Mr. Dale W. Rourk has entrusted his final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home, Inc..
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