Jerry Ray Dalley has returned to his Father in Heaven after celebrating 91 Ω years of a wonderful and adventurous life. Jerry passed away on Friday, March 10, 2017 in Tooele, UT, surrounded by family members and loving friends.
Jerry was born on October 5, 1925 to William R. and Lila C. Dalley in Cedar City, UT. They moved to Southern California and made their home in Canoga Park. His father moved back to Cedar City and his parents later divorced. His mother married Leo Hull while his father married Millie Gibson. In Jerry's first years he lived in Cedar City, UT. He grew up in California living in many communities including Canoga Park, Long Beach, El Monte, West Covina, Baldwin Park, Covina, and spent his final years in Tooele, UT.
Jerry was an only child, but he had a step brother Durray Dalley. He grew up with his best friend Robert Brill in Canoga Park.
Jerry and his best friend Bob Brille enlisted in the US Navy in 1942. Jerry served aboard a submarine tender as a radioman. When their enlistment was up, they both tried to reenlist. They took Bob but they didn't take Jerry because of a vision problem. Jerry returned to Cedar City where he worked on radios and TV's. He enrolled in Southern Utah University in 1947. There he met Evelyn Talbot and they were married on the 25th of March, 1948. Over the next 10 years they became the parents of 6 children, one of them dying 2 weeks after he was born. Jerry was employed at Edwards Air Force Base until he transferred to Aerojet General located in Azusa, CA where he worked as a supervisor in electronics. For many years, he worked for several different water districts adjusting water meters. He became an independent contractor for Bristol Babcock and worked at this job until he retired.
He married Catherine (Sally) Irene Fotens, Oct 5, 1968. Jerry was involved in many activities. He went to Citrus Jr. College and graduated with a 2 year math degree. He also did TV and radio repair, automotive repair, welding, and clock repair. He also loved music and enjoyed working on jukeboxes.
He was active in the LDS church young men's program as a Sea Scout leader. He and Sally were members of the Seal Beach Yacht Club. They spent many hours sailing the coast of Southern California on their yacht, The Sea Owl IV. Willing passengers included their beloved dogs Salty, Pepper, and later Skipper. Jerry served in all capacities in the yacht club culminating in the appointment of commodore. He and Sally spent their retirement years in the yacht club and enjoyed the friendship of many wonderful people there. He was also the Chairperson of the Seal Beach Yacht Club racing committee for many years. Jerry was very accomplished on the ukulele, which he learned to play from his mother. He also enjoyed playing boogie-woogie music on the piano. He loved to entertain by playing music and singing. He was the life of the party and always had a big smile and a sparkle in his eye. He loved to wear fluorescent socks even to church.
Jerry is survived by his children; Robert J and Linda Dalley (West Jordan, UT) Doug and Karyn Dalley (Covina, CA) Carin and Robert L. Williams (Tooele, UT) S. Denise Black (Moab, UT) Timothy L Dalley (Spokane, WA).
He is survived by grandchildren; Robert L (Tiffany A.) Dalley, Melissa A. Burkee (Scott), Jason (Whitnie) Anderson, Christopher (Danielle) Dalley, David (Karey) Williams, Sandi D. Black, Richard D Black, Brian Black, John (Jenn) Palmer, Kourtney Dalley-Harper and Kate Dalley. He was the proud great grandfather of more than 30 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
Preceding him in death are spouses, Evelyn T. Dalley and Sally Fotens Dalley. Son, Kirk A. Dalley (1951). Grandchildren, Danielle Black Hakala and Joy M. Williams.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of Beehive House and The Gathering Place for their compassionate care and service to Jerry.
A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. in the Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, UT. For any further information contact Robert (Bob) Dalley at Bob@dalley.org or Carin Williams at grammacarin@yahoo.com
