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Dale Winton Stonecipher
97, passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior on Wednesday, March 7,
2018.
Raised in Magnolia, Arkansas, Dale served in the US Coast Guard during
WWII (1942-1946), and upon discharge earned a Master’s Degree from the
Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Following a successful competition at
Metropolitan auditions, he wanted to pursue an Operatic career, but a
budding family diverted him ultimately to St. Petersburg, FL in 1959, where
he and his loving wife, Eileen, who predeceased him in 1995, raised their
three children Mary Elizabeth Cunningham (Larry), Paul David (Sharon),
and Rebecca Jane Frank (Don).
He actively shared his considerable musical talents with scores of High
School students, where he founded the Gondoliers at Northeast H.S.
(also directing at Lakewood, Clearwater, & Boca Ciega High Schools) as
well as Church Choirs at Allendale Methodist, Christ United Methodist,
Trinity Presbyterian, & Free Methodist.
In addition to his children, Dale is survived by his wife, Ouida, 7
grandchildren Jennifer Moffitt (Adam), Aimee Horstman (Jason), Katie Tacia
(Steve), Adam Cunningham (Stephanie), Nathan Stonecipher (Sara), David
Stonecipher (Erin), Peter Stonecipher (Allison), and 12 great grandchildren:
Emelyn & Elliot Moffitt, Mackenzie & Cole Horstman, Caleb, Conner, &
Eiley Tacia, Veta, Eva, Sophia, & Eliana Cunningham, and Grant
Stonecipher.
A man of faith; his upbringing by his father, an itinerant, circuit-riding
preacher, grounded him well over the years in the literal, inspired word of
God which by grace has reunited him with his beloved family that have
gone on before him.
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Rod Frankland
Mr, Stonecipher, a great Baritone singer, was my chorus teacher for my Junior and Senior year. I had the privilege of working with him years later after graduation in church choir. He supported me as the student choir director for our Graduation Baccalaureate Service. He was an excellent teacher and encouraged us to always do our best.
Heaven's Choir has a great addition RIP
Almira Matthews (Jones)
Of all my favorite teachers and classes, Mr. Stonecipher was the best, and learning, with so many other talented students in his chorus class, was my favorite time of day.
He taught us well, with much grace and humor.
Rest in peace.
Gloria Urschel (Rogers)
Being a part of the Gondoliers was such a great experience and I looked forward to his class everyday. He was a wonderful mentor and a very talented man. Rest In Peace we will all miss you
Catherine DeWitt
He was the best. One of my first musical mentors, helping to prepare me for the career I've had for about 30 years, as a professional musician. Such a dear, talented and funny man. I cherish the memories of the Gondoliers, and of giving his little car a push out of the parking lot many afternoons after choir rehearsal!