Manuel Dale Williamson, 92, passed away at his home in Denton, TX on June 4, 2026 following a long illness. His loving wife of 72 years (Bernice) was by his side.

Dale was born in Parma, MO on February 23, 1934 to Jacob Ledford Williamson, Sr. and Edna Mae Grubbs Williamson. He attended school until 8 th grade when he left to enter the workforce. He worked on the family farm and did various odd jobs before taking his first full-time position in 1953 (shortly after marrying Bernice), delivering LP gas and repairing appliances.

A natural born entrepreneur, Dale soon started his own appliance repair business, expanding into sales when he opened Dale’s Appliances. He earned numerous awards and trips from Whirlpool and Kelvinator for his strong sales performance. He later added motorcycles, furniture and discount store merchandise under one roof, evolving into “Community Trading Center” where locals could buy, sell or trade nearly anything.

In the late 1970s, Dale ventured into homebuilding in Dexter, Missouri. Though he had no prior experience, his intelligence, determination, and strong work ethic quickly led to success. In 1980, he moved to Texas to take advantage of the housing boom, building homes until the market slowed in 1985. After several years in commercial site cleanup, Dale joined his sons, Allen and David, to revive Community Trading Center, this time specializing in used car sales in Lewisville, Texas. In 1990, the business relocated to Interstate 35 north of Denton and focused exclusively on vintage automobiles and salvaged parts. Over the next three decades, CTC Auto Ranch grew into one of the nation’s premier sources for vintage American-made car parts.

A true old-school Southern gentleman, Dale was always dressed for the part: a smart button down with undershirt, khaki pants, brown belt and shoes with a fedora to top it off. He was incredibly smart, funny, talented and generous. Dale never met a stranger and displayed kindness and decency in everything he said or did.

Work was paramount to Dale, but never above his family. He poured his heart into raising five wonderful children alongside Bernice. Their home and hearts were always open to extended family. Most holiday gatherings occurred at their home where they routinely (and seemingly effortlessly) hosted crowds of 50+.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers Jacob Ledford Jr. (Bud), Ray, Gene and Jerry Williamson; and two sisters Freda Green and Genivea Jackson.

He is survived by his wife Lois Bernice Williamson, his sons Allen (Jodi) Williamson and David (Carole) Williamson of Denton TX; his daughters Pamela (Jerry) Schulze of St. Louis, MO, Marla Salerno of Lewisville, TX and Carla Remley of Sanger TX. He leaves his grandchildren: Mandy Willingham, Christy (Danny) Hawkins, Melissa (Travis) Florey, Heather Cole, Trenton (Brenna) Porter, Justin (Erin) Williams, CJ Cole, Sarah Cole, Chris (Maggie) Remley, Garrett Williamson, Rachel Williamson, Jessica Williamson and Nick Salerno, and nine great grandchildren: Grayson Willingham, Jackson Willingham, Luke Cole, Tylan Florey, Donovan Cole, Alyse Cole, Parker Florey, Jackson Williams and Sloan Williams. Dale will also be greatly missed by his brother- and sisters-in-law and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held on June 10, 2026 at 12:00 pm at Deberry & Sons Funeral Home at 2025 W. University Dr. in Denton, TX. Funeral service following at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Roselawn Cemetery in Denton. Friends and family are invited to join afterwards for a reception at the Denton Elks Lodge 228 E. Oak St., Denton.