Orphus "Dale" Rusk

Orphas “Dale” Rusk passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, just shy of his 93rd birthday.

Dale was born and raised in Oklahoma and received a degree in Pharmacology from the University of Oklahoma School of Pharmacology. He eventually earned degrees in Chemistry and Nuclear Pharmacology, and those degrees took him throughout the US. While working in Richmond, Virginia, Dale met and married the “Joy of My Life,” Betty. In the mid-1960s, and as an Air Force veteran from the Korean War era, he was offered the job as Head Pharmacist at the Charles George, VA in Asheville, where he worked until retirement.

Once in Asheville, Dale became deeply involved with the community, including close to 60 years with First Baptist Church of Asheville. Dale had passions and interests too numerous to count, and an insatiable love for learning; he was a genius in his own right. Despite these impressive attributes, his love and care for people was his most enduring legacy. His quick wit, humorous stories, loving kindness, and humility contributed to an address book stuffed with names and addresses. If you knew Dale, you had a friend for life; his focus was on you and your well-being. Some people collect items; Dale collected memories and treasured his many friends and times they spent together.

Dale’s last years were spent at Pisgah Villa Assisted Living where he accumulated more friends. The staff frequently confided, “I know we’re not supposed to have favorites, but Dale is mine.”

Dale was preceded in death by his dear Betty. He will be laid to rest next to her at a private graveside ceremony at Oakwood Cemetery in Richmond, VA.

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