Following graduation from Law School in 1985, Dale located to Toccoa where he became an Associate with a local law firm. In 1988, he left “the firm”, established his own law office and ran for the post of chief Magistrate of Stephens County. Dale was elected the first Republican candidate ever elected to public office in Stephens County, a position which was designated a non-partisan office in 1991 and one to which he was re-elected six times.
While living in Toccoa, he was a member and officer in various local organizations including but not limited to: Toccoa Jaycees, President; Stephens County Bar Association, President; BPOE, Chaplain; Cub Scout Pack 168, Cubmaster; Toccoa Rehabilitation Industries, Board of Directors, Treasure; Toccoa Masonic Orders and an active member of St. Matthias Episcopal Church; Northeast Georgia Goat Producers, Inc., President; Tocca E.R. Charitable Foundation, Inc., President.
Dale passed away March 10, 2012 and is survived by his mother, Betty Smith, wife, Lynne Smith, and a son, Jared C. Smith.