Jan. 2, 1926 – Nov. 12, 2012

NATCHEZ — Services for Claudies Dale Polk, 86, of Natchez, who died Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, will be at noon today at Laird Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Doug Broome officiating.

Burial will follow at the Natchez City Cemetery with Masonic Rites under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time today at the funeral home.

Mr. Polk was born Jan. 2, 1926, in Bassfield, Jefferson Davis County, the third son of David Lee Polk and Tamar Elizabeth Broome Polk, on the “coldest night of the year” as he always liked to say. Dale moved to Natchez in 1949, after serving his country in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theater. Columbia was his home until he became involved in construction with T.O. Trawick, as a logging contractor from 1950 to 1954. From 1954 to 1964, he was employed with Schlumberger, Inc., at which time he formed his own construction company. He was well known in this area for constructing roads, bridges and highways. From 1965 to 1985, Dale also served as an agent and jobber for Chevron, Inc. In 1989, Dale Polk & Son, Inc., was purchased by the Blain Companies. Throughout his life, Dale was involved in public and civic offices. In 1983, he served as president of Mississippi Road Builders, Mississippi Asphalt Association, Southwest Paving Company, State Bureau of Licensed Contractors, Southwest Planning District Mississippi Truckers Association and a member of the National Asphalt Association.

Dale was founder and joint owner of the Natchez Mall as well as president and joint owner of Glenburney Nursing Home.

He enjoyed a number of days hunting and fishing as a joint owner of Ormonde, Inc., a prestigious hunting/recreational club. He was Baptist, a member of the Wahabi Shriners and a 32nd degree Mason in the Harmony Lodge No. 1, sustaining member of Andrew Jackson Council, Boy Scouts of America for 25 years and a sponsor of youth baseball for 10 years.

Dale was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his son, Stella Polk; an infant sister, Nellie; two sisters, Lessie Mae Polk Speights and Winnie Bell Polk Prowell; and two brothers, Robert Polk and Marvin Polk.

Survivors include his wife, Jennifer “Jenni” Foster Polk; one son, Danny Hugh Polk and wife, Vivian, of Lexington, Ala.; three grandchildren, Edith Tamar Polk Moon and husband, Tyler, Kayce Polk Walker and Maggi Allyce Polk; three great-grandchildren, Brennan Walker, Rustin Calhoun and Caroline Rebecca Moon; one sister, Margie McPhail McGee of Prentiss; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Dale Polk was a “man of his word” and he will be greatly missed by all who loved him, including his pets. In honor of his love for animals, in lieu of flowers, a memorial to the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society would be greatly appreciated. The family appreciates the prayers and many acts of kindness.

Pallbearers will be family and close friends.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lairdfh.com.