Arthur Langsdale "Dale" Byrne

Arthur Langsdale (Dale) Byrne of Bay Minette passed from this life to the loving care of his Lord and Savior on Oct. 24, 2013 at the University of South Alabama Medical Center after a lengthy illness.

Dale was born on Aug. 5, 1951 to Arthur LaCoste Byrne and Elizabeth (Betty) Langsdale Byrne in Mobile.

He was baptized at old St. Paul’s Church in Springhill and confirmed at Trinity Episcopal Church in midtown, where he was active as an acolyte and a member of the EYC.

He received his elementary and secondary education at University Military School where he graduated in 1969.

He learned deep in his soul from his parents, his church and his school to love the Lord and his family, conduct himself as a gentleman, act with integrity, serve his community and country and work harder than anyone else.

Dale had a lengthy career in the Alabama National Guard, rising from the rank of private to command sergeant major.

A member of the Airborne Rangers and Special Forces (20th Special Forces Group), he was deployed to many parts of the globe, often on missions he could not divulge to his family.

His last overseas deployment was to Kuwait and Iraq from 2003-2004 as a member of the 226 Support Group.

He was widely decorated and admired by those who served under him and his commanders. He received the Bronze Star (two awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (five awards), the Army Commendation Medal (three awards), and the Global War on Terrorism Expedition Medal.

Dale was a soldier’s soldier, and loved the “family” of active and retired military members who were so much a part of his life and he of theirs.

Serving his country was the highest honor of his life, and our country is a better, safer place as a result of his dedicated and selfless service.

After leaving the National Guard, Dale worked for the Mobile County Emergency Management Agency where continued work he had begun while in the Guard by responding to disasters for the benefit of local people, including the coordination of local response to Hurricane Katrina.

He later became a major in the Baldwin County Sherriff’s Office, commanding the County Corrections Center for Sheriff “Hoss” Mack, a position he held until shortly before his death.

His law enforcement colleagues saw him as man of great integrity, competence and personal concern for others.

A lifelong hunter, and later in life a Harley motorcycle rider, Dale loved the outdoors and introducing others, particularly young people, to the joys of being in God’s creation, natural and undisturbed.

Dale leaves behind his wife of 18 years, Gloria Anne Byrne of Bay Minette; his son, Justin LaCoste Byrne (Tracy) of Orange Beach; his sister, Patricia Byrne Taul of Birmingham; his brother, Bradley Roberts Byrne (Rebecca) of Montrose; and numerous nieces, nephews and great nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.

His loving marriage with Gloria was precious to him, and her care for him in the last months of struggle in his life exemplifies the love God expects from all of us. He died in her tender and loving arms, and was surrounded by his family.

Dale’s funeral service will be held Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, at 10 a.m. at Fort Whiting Armory in Mobile, led by longtime Byrne family pastor the Rev. Albert Kennington, with the participation of the Baldwin County Sherriff’s chaplains, and where he will receive full military honors.

The family will begin receiving friends beginning at 9 a.m. for visitation.

The family desires that, in lieu of flowers, gifts be made to the Wounded Warrior Project and the Baldwin County Humane Society.

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