Legacy of Dale Strate Remembered
A larger than life man is being remembered again this year, as Dale Strate Day will be observed on February 4.
Dale was called home on January 27, 2017 and was laid to rest on February 4, 2017.
Holden Mayor Doyle Weeks then proclaimed February 4 as “Dale Strate Day” in Holden, in honor of Dale’s longtime service and commitment to this community.
Lifelong Holden resident and businessman, Dale was a friend to everyone and somewhat of a comedian.
He left behind many good memories and a lot of laughter for his customers, friends and family.
Dale and his wife Linda, (his Arkansas Sweetheart), bought Holden landmark, Strate’s Drive-In, in 1972.
They spent the next 40-plus years serving the citizens of Holden their special down-home flavor of food that the drive-in is famous for.
Linda still owns Strate’s and she offers special savings and promotions on Dale Strate Day.
Dale always loved the kids who visited the drive-in and gave away free suckers to them.
Linda is offering free ice cream for kids all day on Thursday, February 4, as well as $1 drinks all day, and $1 off all baskets, as a way to honor Dale’s memory.
Also she is giving away free coffee for the loyal coffee drinkers.
Linda and the crew at Strate’s enjoy hearing customers reminisce and share their memories of Dale on his special day.
Dale had a fierce pride in his hometown and did what he could to make it a better place to live.
He was raised in Holden and spent his whole life here, graduating from Holden High School in 1963.
Dale and Linda gave many high school students their first job, and instilled in them the value of hard work and the pride that comes from a job well done.
Dale spent 45 years serving this community and is missed by all who knew and loved him for his “larger than life” personality.
He also served the community as a Holden firefighter and volunteered his time and talents on several city committees. Dale enjoyed the simple things in life – his family, days spent on his farm, watching the trains go through town, and visiting the Chilhowee Farm Show every year.
Strate’s has been a staple in the Holden community for more than five decades and Dale’s love for life and sense of humor have always been a big part of that legacy.
Join Linda and the staff at Strate’s on Dale Strate Day and share your cherished memories of Dale and the years he spent serving and entertaining his customers.
Every year on February 4, the life of this warm, kind-hearted man will be celebrated – honoring his commitment and dedication to his family, friends and customers.
I remember when he would sit next to me and act like he was going to cut my ear off had me clinging to my dad and my grandma scolding him. Lol.
Definitely a great family. My sister’s first job was at Strates.
I worked for Dale and Linda for several years through high school and college. I learned a lot about responsibility and many other life lessons from them. I am grateful and thankful for that opportunity.
This man was a one of a kind, was family to me, I learned alot from him and I think he learned alot from me with all our wheeling and dealing. lol
I am so grateful to have had the many years of friendship with sale. He truly was ans is a great man who loved and cared about everyone. Miss you ole buddy rip.