Ferd Dale Page

Ferd Dale Page, 80, of Jonesboro, formerly of Memphis, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2026, surrounded by his family, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. He was born January 11, 1946, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to the late Edward and Juanita Page.

Dale was a 1965 graduate of Keiser High School and later attended Arkansas State University, where he participated in the ROTC program. It was during his college years at ASU that his life took a particularly meaningful turn when a blind date introduced him to Evelyn. What began with that first date grew into a life together and a marriage that would span 58 years. In their younger years, before becoming parents, Dale and Evelyn enjoyed camping and fishing trips together, including many outings on their boat. Dale also enjoyed canoeing—even if Evelyn didn't quite share his enthusiasm for it. Those early adventures were the beginning of a lifetime together that would eventually grow to include two daughters and six grandchildren.

Dale spent many years working in the freight trucking industry. A hardworking man and devoted provider, he was never afraid to take on side jobs in addition to his regular work to make sure his family was cared for. For many years, he worked the night shift, which sometimes meant sacrificing the opportunity to attend his daughters' choir performances and special school events. It was a sacrifice he made so that, by working opposite shifts, he and Evelyn could ensure their daughters always had a parent at home with them. For Dale, providing for his family wasn't simply about earning a living; it was about making sure they were cared for.

Dale was also a man who knew his way around a project. When Heather and Melody were growing up, he and his father, Edward, could often be found tackling do-it-yourself repairs around the family home. Those projects became part of the fabric of family life and reflected Dale's willingness to roll up his sleeves and figure out what needed to be done.

As a dad, Dale was often the parent who let his girls get by with a little more than they probably should have. He didn't spend much time in the kitchen, but when he did, he could make an awesome breakfast—whether it happened to be morning or breakfast-for-dinner. He had a legendary sweet tooth, particularly for anything chocolate, and would resort to hiding his chocolate ice cream in the ice maker so his daughters couldn't find it while he was at work.

Some of Heather and Melody's most cherished memories of their Daddy are also among the simplest. He would get down on the floor and play Matchbox cars with Melody, while Heather remembers walks with her Daddy to the donut shop or convenience store for a pink donut or a Zero candy bar. They were ordinary moments at the time, but the years have revealed them for what they really were—precious time with their Daddy.

Dale enjoyed the outdoors throughout his life. In addition to camping, fishing, and canoeing, he shared squirrel-hunting trips with his father-in-law, Charlie Jones. After retirement, he found enjoyment in life's quieter pleasures and could often be found watching The Dukes of Hazzard or an old Western on television or tinkering with small engines.

After returning to Jonesboro in 2022, Dale and Evelyn attended Nettleton Baptist Church alongside their oldest daughter, Heather, and her family. It became another way for him to share time with those he loved during the final years of his life.

But more than any pastime, Dale treasured time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. To five of his grandchildren—Ashlynn, Addyson, Matthew, Rebecca, and Rachel—he was Grandpa; to Christopher, he was PawPaw. Whatever the name, being their grandfather brought countless moments that became some of the family's most treasured memories.

He enjoyed playing card games with his granddaughters and especially enjoyed the bragging rights that came with beating them at a game. He also loved listening proudly as his grandchildren played their musical instruments. Trips to Gore Springs to spend time with his youngest daughter, Melody, and her family often included fishing with his grandsons, creating memories that they will carry with them for years to come.

When the grandchildren were little, he was always ready for a good old-fashioned game of “Get Your Nose” or “Ride That Horsey to Town.” There were cuddles on the couch watching television, family movie nights, and plenty of opportunities for the grandchildren to imitate his unforgettable “Grumpy Grandpa” face. Even the grand-dogs were part of the family fun, and he enjoyed playing with them whenever they were around.

Dale wasn't a man who needed a lot of words. His family simply loved having him there—at special occasions, family gatherings, or during the quiet, ordinary moments of life. His presence was enough. And while he may not have been the biggest talker in the room, he certainly had a few memorable lines. His familiar “You better sleep fast” became one of those unmistakably Dale sayings that his family will continue to repeat for years to come. And there was never any mistaking his laugh. Dale had a laugh like no other—the kind that could make even the grumpiest person in the room laugh right along with him.

In addition to his parents, Dale was preceded in death by his brother, Donnie Page.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Evelyn Page of the home; two daughters, Heather (Carey) Adams of Jonesboro and Melody (William) Martin of Gore Springs, Mississippi; and six grandchildren, Christopher Martin, Ashlynn Adams, Addyson Adams, Matthew Martin, Rebecca Martin, and Rachel Martin.

Dale leaves behind a family who will miss him more than words can adequately express, but he also leaves them with a lifetime of treasured memories—the laughter, the games, the fishing trips, the movie nights, the time spent together, and all of those seemingly ordinary moments that now mean more than ever. His family is grateful for the life they shared with him and will carry those memories with them always.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Nettleton Cemetery, with Bro. Don Blackmore officiating.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given, in Dale's honor, to the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 1148 E. Matthews Ave., Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401.