Dale Masten Bodenhamer

Dale Masten “Dee” Bodenhamer, 52, a resident of Andrew Sink Road, Lexington, died Monday, May 21, 2007, in Duke University Hospital in Durham. A celebration of life service will be conducted 2:00 PM Saturday at the Tyro United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Randy Foster and Rev. Elise Kennedy officiating. A committal service will be held at 4:00 PM in Forest Hill Memorial Park in Lexington. Dale was born November 3, 1954 in Forsyth County to Dale E. and Joan Berrier Bodenhamer. He graduated from Glade Valley Prep School and Lees McRae College. He was a retired employee of Sara Lee Corporation in Winston-Salem, retiring in 2002 with a disability, after 19 years of service. He was a member of New Philadelphia Moravian Church, until his marriage to Cathy Smith in 1981. Later he and Cathy became members of Tyro United Methodist Church. During the past few years, Dale was very involved in many activities including Chairman of the Missions Committee for his church. He and Cathy both were Ambassadors for the American Cancer Society’s team event “Relay for Life” and made several trips to Washington to help raise awareness of the need for funding. In addition, he volunteered for the Lexington Chapter of the American Red Cross. Dale was a very outgoing person who loved to travel, history, Duke basketball, beach music, and roller coasters. His other great loves included his dog Buckwheat, and golf cart companion Snowball. He was always happiest when helping others and was a great friend to many. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Smith Bodenhamer of the home; parents, Dale and Joan Berrier Bodenhamer of Winston-Salem; sister Jan Whittingham and her husband Charles, their children, Chase and Kate, all of Tiburon, CA. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Louise Smith of Lexington; sister-in-law, Judy Ward and her husband, Lester and their children, Jason, Adam, and his wife Rachel, their children Kalei, and Piper all of Greensboro. Many other relatives, and great friends, who will miss him dearly, are also surviving. In the past few years, Dale made the most of his situation by spending his days helping many family members and friends with his acts of kindness. His generous spirit and uplifting personality was always evident, despite all his adversities. In January of this year, Dale received a lung transplant at Duke University Hospital. He fought hard and remained optimistic until the end. He had received a gift, a chance at life, and wished to pass that gift on to as many others as possible by donating his organs. Please consider this option yourself as a tribute to him. The family will visit with friends Saturday following the service, until 3:30 PM, in the Tyro United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall and other times will be at the home of his mother-in-law, Louise Smith, 1904 Andrew Sink Road, Lexington.. Memorial contributions may be made to the Missions Fund of Tyro United Methodist Church, 4484 S. NC Hwy 150, Lexington, NC 27295, or to the Lexington-Davidson County Chapter of The American Red Cross, 8 Franklin Street, Lexington, NC 27292.