Shannon Dale Glory

Some men are born to be cowboys, and Dale was one of them.

Dale Glory, 82, of Tahlequah, passed away on October 30, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, a remarkable legacy in the rodeo world, and a cowboy spirit that will never be forgotten.

Born on November 6, 1943, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Dale spent most of his life in the place he always called home. He and his wife, Shirley, built their life together at Swannanoa Ranch along the Illinois River, where they raised their son, Dale Lee, and daughter, Denise. The ranch was more than just a home; it was the heart of their family. It was where Dale raised his prized bucking bulls, where family gathered regularly, and where countless memories were made over the years.

A 1961 graduate of Tahlequah High School, Dale was no stranger to hard work. Throughout his life, he made a living logging and operating heavy equipment, but his heart always belonged to bulls and the rodeo arena. He traveled across the country, first as a bull rider and later as a stock contractor, raising and producing championship bucking bulls. Known throughout the rodeo world as “4G,” his dedication earned him world championship titles for his bulls, along with numerous buckles and accomplishments throughout his career. He took great pride in his livestock and the friendships he made along the way. On weekends he would take time to load a trailer full of bulls and haul them to the local rodeo grounds where anyone could show up and practice and learn the trade. This generosity paved the way for many young cowboys dreaming to be a bull rider.

One of his greatest joys was sharing that passion with his family. Dale and Dale Lee put on bull ridings that became a beloved family tradition, bringing everyone together for good times, laughter, and memories that would last a lifetime. It was a tradition that meant so much to Dale and one that his family will always cherish.

But beneath that cowboy exterior was one of the sweetest hearts you could ever know. With his handsome smile, freshly starched jeans, a nice button-up shirt, and one of his beloved Sale Barn caps, Dale was always dressed like a true cowboy. He had a Sale Barn cap in just about every color, and you could almost always find a piece of pink bubble gum in his truck. A left-handed cowboy, Dale had a soft spot for Little Debbie snack cakes and a special love for his dogs. When he wasn't watching reruns of his favorite Westerns, you could usually find him outside feeding his animals or enjoying a meal at My Place BBQ.

He also enjoyed a good game of cards and loved to play the slot machines, whether that meant trying his luck at the casino in town or making a trip all the way to Las Vegas, he was never one to turn down the chance to play a hand or take a little gamble.

As much as he loved the cowboy way of life, nothing meant more to him than his family. He thought the world of his wife, Shirley, lovingly known as Nanny, and loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren dearly. Behind the cowboy hat and boots was a man with a gentle heart and so much love to give.

Dale Glory leaves behind a lifetime of stories, lessons, and memories that will be carried on by those who knew and loved him. He was a man who stayed true to himself, took pride in the life he built, and made a lasting impression on the people around him.

Dale was proceeded in death by his father Levi Glory, his mother Beaunah Sparks-Glory and his brothers Levi James Glory and Darrell George Glory.

Those left to cherish his memory, and legacy are his wife Shirley of Swannanoa. His son Dale Lee Glory and wife Sonja of Shady Grove, Oklahoma. His daughter Denise Cravens and husband David of Haskell, Oklahoma. His sister Sheryl Elaine and partner Charlie Griffith of Ketchum, Oklahoma. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Shannon Roy Harrington and husband BJ of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Lacy Dawn Jones and husband Justin of Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Addie Hull and husband Jamie of Haskell, Oklahoma. Savannah Peters and husband Steve Peters of Texas. Maggie Mae Glory of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Garret Lane Glory of Shady Grove, Oklahoma. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Logan Gage Dreadfulwater of Briggs, Oklahoma, Tryan Hull of Haskell, Oklahoma, Blaklee Dawn Jones of Tahlequah, Oklahoma and Priscilla Peters of Texas as well as many other loved ones and friends.

The rodeo world will remember his accomplishments, but his family and friends will remember so much more: his handsome smile, his kindness, and the countless little things that made him one of a kind.

The arena is quiet now, his work here is done, and this cowboy has taken his final ride.

Rest easy, cowboy. Until we meet again.

The family will receive friends Friday, November 6, 2026, 5:00 to 7:00 PM, at Hart Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be Saturday, November 7, 2026, 10:00 AM, at Tahlequah City Cemetery.