Robert Dale Pleasant
November 1, 1946 - October 12, 2026
Robert Dale Pleasant passed away on October 12, 2026, at his home in Albemarle, N.C., surrounded by his family.
Dale was born in Port Arthur, Texas, on November 1, 1946, to Ned and Mary Jeanne Pleasant and grew up on Air Force bases around the country due to his father's Air Force career.
In 1964, Dale joined the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed at the Lighthouse on Lake Pontchartrain, La. In the flooding waters and 135+ mile winds of Hurricane Betsy in 1965, he volunteered for a dangerous rescue of nine people and subsequently received a Coast Guard Commendation Medal for heroism.
After leaving the Coast Guard in 1968, Dale began an almost 30-year career in the expanding injection molding industry. After working his way up in the field, he led the sales department for Goodman Improved in Chicago. Over the years, he conducted business in 68 countries and 48 states. Dale subsequently started his own injection molding equipment company, DP&A.
In 1995, now in North Carolina, Dale took a turn in his career and established Select Investigations, a private investigation firm. Dale partnered with his wife, Sally, for the next 30 years, conducting thorough, professional, and highly regarded investigations for a range of clients in North Carolina. During his long illness, Sally ran the business and continues to do so.
Along with his successful and varied career, Dale had a full personal life. He was an avid scuba diver; hunted with his beloved Springer Spaniel, Oreo; and especially loved fishing for salmon on Lake Michigan. He was also a pilot and flew his plane on many trips around the U.S.
Dale was known for helping others in ways they did not expect. "When he saw a need," said Sally, "he would step in and help out." After his daughter Angie died as a teen in a tragic accident, he intentionally looked for ways to make the world a better place. Those touched by Dale's care and assistance can attest to him having done just that.
Dale was blessed with many family connections. He was preceded in death by his brother, Art Pleasant; his daughter, Angie Pleasant; and his son, Richard Pleasant. He is survived by his brother, Mark Pleasant, and sister-in-law, Cyndi Pleasant. His wife, Sally, was with him in work and in life and Dale was stepfather to Sally's four children, who meant a great deal to him. He was preceded in death by his stepsons, Robert Bernard "Bern" Moorehead and Andrew Whitfield "Whit" Moorehead. He is survived by his stepson, Charles "Bucky" Moorehead, daughter-in-law, Kourtney Taperek, and grandson, Dash Moorehead; stepdaughter, Laura Ann Moorehead; daughter-in-law, Rebecca "Beck" Pryor; and niece, Mary Jeanne Jones.
A funeral will begin at 12:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church in Albemarle, N.C. Luncheon will follow at the Family Life Center. Gifts may be made to Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church.
