Frank D. Dalton, Sr.
08/08/1927 - 10/16/2021
Frank Dudley Dalton, Sr., the fifth of eleven children, was born on August 8, 1927 in Walnut Cove, Stokes County, North Carolina to John William McKinley Dalton and Ethel Mae Hairston Dalton. On October 16, 2021, surrounded by his loving family, Frank was called home to be with our Lord where he was greeted by his parents, 5 sisters, Lula Price, Catherine Cole, Ida Hairston, Shirley Duckins, and Daisy Chandler, and 2 brothers, Curtis Dalton and Roosevelt Dalton, Sr.
Education was important in the Dalton household and Frank graduated from Charles Drew High School in Madison, NC, the only black school in this area. He drove his Dad’s car to pick up other black children in the area. Frank, his father, and a few others, went to Raleigh, NC several times to meet with the Governor to advocate for the construction of a school for black youth in Stokes County. The State finally relented and provided a school bus that Frank drove to Madison while London High School was being built in Walnut Cove.
Frank was a Corporal in the United States Army during World War II, serving in the South Pacific. His unit was responsible for transporting ammunition and supplies as supply ships came in. After the war ended, he married the love of his life Mary Pearl Satterfield Dalton on November 13, 1950.
Frank always stressed the importance of faith, self-respect, education and sportsmanship. Despite the challenges and restrictions of the time, Frank moved through the ranks up to 1st Vice president of the South Stokes High School PTA. Yet, when it was his turn to become President, the PTA was disbanded to prevent a black man from providing that leadership. Nevertheless, Frank remained unwavering in his support of what was right and equitable in the public schools and over the years he sought parity for his children and hundreds of other black children in Stokes County.
Having been a tobacco farmer, Frank never shied away from hard work. He began working as a janitor at Western Electric/AT&T in Winston-Salem. When he started black people were restricted to work as either janitors or machine cleaners. He and other black men went to the personnel department to demand that black people be given the same opportunity for better paying jobs. Soon afterwards, those jobs became available and he retired after 34 years as a Security Guard, having filled various leadership positions with the organized union. Frank also became the first black police officer in Walnut Cove and served as the first black deputy sheriff in Stokes County for more than 16 years.
Frank was a life-long member of Withers Chapel Church. He joined the church at an early age and he and his siblings walked to church for Sunday School and worship service. Until his health failed at age 90, he drove himself to church every Sunday. Over the years, his service included the Men’s Choir, Usher Board, and the United Methodist Men. Frank believed in family and maintaining strong family bonds. He was a young boy when the Dalton Family Reunion was started in his parent’s yard in 1933. Each year he looked forward to reconnecting with family and helping out in whatever capacity that was needed.
Frank's spirit of community extended into volunteer service. He served on the Stokes County Zoning Board, Stokes Department of Social Services Board and also was an Election Worker for East Walnut Cove where he was in charge of setting up, closing and making all reports of the election results. At the age of 89, Frank continued his servanthood as a member of the Walnut Cove Senior Center Board, the Walnut Cove Colored School Board of Directors, and the East Walnut Cove Community Park Council. He was also an active Master Mason of the Red Rock Lodge No. 809, PHA.
Frank’s reputation in the hunting community is legendary and he was known for organizing rabbit and coon hunts. A fierce competitor, he received numerous awards and trophies. Frank’s competitive spirit extended to horses. He competed in timed racing events such as Barrels, Potato Race, and Poles with his quarter horses in shows across N.C Frank was an honorary member of the Guilford County Night Riders, an organized group of Black cowboys. He enjoyed riding with the group, riding in local parades, and introducing young people to horseback riding.
A pioneer throughout his life, Frank’s talents were endless. Those who know him best will agree that next to his wife, the love of his life was baseball and his player-coach career spanned more than five decades. Frank played and coached the Walnut Cove Tigers, a semi-pro baseball team. He was a natural 1st baseman but could also cover the outfield. Frank broke new ground as the first black coach of the first integrated little league baseball team at Lions Park in Walnut Cove. He coached and managed little league teams for many years, served as the number one fan for his grandchildren, and could be heard encouraging all children from the stands far and wide. One of his proudest moments was when he saw his protégé grandson, DJ Mitchell, pitch for the NY Yankees at Yankee Stadium.
Frank leaves behind his beloved wife for almost 71 years, Mary Pearl, whose love and commitment saw no limits, and 6 children and their spouses: Anthony E. Dalton (Sandra, Deceased) of Walnut Cove, NC; Rodessa D. Mitchell (Doug, Deceased) of Rural Hall, NC; Cynthia D. Robertson of Brown Summit, NC; Cassandra D. Graves (Jaffa) of Greensboro, NC; Frank D. Dalton, Jr. of Landover, MD; and Curtis Gibson (Betty) of Walnut Cove, NC. Frank was blessed with the love of 13 Grandchildren, 27 Great-grandchildren and 5 Great-Great Grandchildren. Also left to mourn are 3 of his 10 siblings, Alice McNeil (Herman) of Landover Hills, MD; Albert Dalton (Joann) of Winston-Salem, NC; and Betty Ruth Jackson (Ronald) of Toledo, OH; brothers- and sisters-in- law: Ida Dalton of Stokesdale, NC; Portia Satterfield of Kernersville, NC; James and Loretta Smith of Belews Creek, NC; Jerry Chandler of Stokesdale, NC and Delbert Duckins of Toledo, OH; and a living angel, Sarah “Tene” Scales Lowe, whose extraordinary care and support exemplifies Jesus’ love for all of us. In addition, there are many beloved cousins and countless nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends who will cherish Frank’s memory.
In lieu of flowers, we request that you consider a donation to Withers Chapel Church, P.O. Box 101, Pine Hall, NC 27042.