Dale Stewart Karriker, 90, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, at the Tucker Hospice House, Cabarrus, with his loving son at his side. He was born December 4, 1935, in China Grove, NC. In addition to his parents, Shellie B. and Katie Bost Karriker he was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Tayoko “Jeannie” Kajioka Karriker, and siblings Virginia Sloop, Evelyn Ennis, Hoke Karriker, Hugh Brown Karriker, Paul Leonard Karriker, and Charles Karriker.

Dale was a faithful member of Concordia Lutheran Church serving in many capacities including singing in the choir, keeping the books for the cemetery committee, and teaching Sunday School.

He retired from the United States Air Force with the rank of Master Sergeant after 22 years of service. During that time, he traveled extensively living in Japan, California, South Carolina, Washington State, Mississippi, England, Italy, and North Carolina. After retirement, Dale continued working first on the family farm, then as a calibrator for heavy duty truck & rail electronic scales, and retired (again) from Sewell Plastics.

Dale lived life to the fullest. He especially enjoyed time with his immediate and extended family, travel, eating out, oyster stew, homemade peach ice cream, and NCIS.

He is survived by his son, Dana Karriker (Nancy) and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A service to celebrate Dale’s Life will be held at Concordia Lutheran Church, China Grove, NC, on July 25, 2026 at 3:00 PM. Visitation with the family at 2:00 PM. Interment of the ashes will be at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Concordia Lutheran Church, 185 Concordia Church Rd, China Grove, NC 28023 or the Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Cabarrus (The Tucker Hospice House), 5003 Hospice Ln, Kannapolis, NC, 28081.

Carolina Cremation is assisting the Karriker family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.