Dale Sirmans

Dale Sirmans, 76, a longtime resident of Norman, OK, passed away Thursday, December 23, 2010 at the home of his daughter Corina in Albertville, AL. He was born June 19, 1934 in Pearson, GA. He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Kathy Sirmans. He was the son of the late Clemon Fielding Sirmans and Myrtice Vining Sirmans of Pearson, GA. In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by a son, Edward Barion Sirmans; a granddaughter Aubrey Michelle Fregeau; a sister, Judy Sirmans Hughen Camp; two brothers-in-law, Jimmy Giddens and John Brant; three nephews, Scott Sirmans, Gary Sirmans and Ray Brant. He is survived by two daughters: Corina Moore and husband Travis of Albertville, AL; and Cassandra Morgan and husband Steve of Oklahoma City, OK. Former daughter-in-law: Kathy Chow of Moore, OK. Eight grandchildren: Blake Sirmans, Haley Sirmans, Stacy Mahaffay, Mickey Dale Morgan, Kristine Corbin and Katie Morgan, all of OK; Aaron Fregeau and Emily Fregeau of AL; and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by four brothers: Maxie Sirmans and wife Dale of Pearson, GA; Dr. Clemon Fielding Sirmans and wife Elaine of Tallahassee, FL; Dr. Stacy Sirmans and wife Elaine of Tallahassee, FL; Steve Sirmans and wife Carolyn of Pearson, Ga; three sisters: Marie Giddens of Hahira, GA; Sandra Carene Brant of Mansfield, OH; and Dawn Wright and husband Wendell of Pearson, GA; and many nieces and nephews. Dale was a 1952 graduate of Pearson High School. Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served from 1953 to 1956. While working for a private company, he met and married his wife Helga Katharina (Kathy) Gunderoth on June 6, 1958 in Lampertheim, Germany. After employment with Lockheed and Eastern Airlines the couple moved to Norman in the early 1960's. It was at that time Dale began his career with the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, Ok. He received his degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. In the weather radar community, Dale is recognized as the father of the NEXRAD radar. He was the lead engineer and principal architect for the Doppler Radar System. His career spanned five decades. Although Dale retired from NSSL in 1990, he continued to work and develop radar systems and was employed by SERCO, a contractor for the National Weather Service at the Radar Operations Center in Norman, OK. Dale was a loving son, husband, father and grandfather. He was dearly loved by his family and friends and his quiet presence will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 2pm at the Antioch Baptist Church in Pearson, GA. Officiating will be Elder Clemon Fielding Sirmans, Elder Stacy Sirmans and Bishop Stevie Sirmans, all brothers of the deceased. Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson, Ga. is in charge of the arrangements.