William J. Dailey, Sr., age 93, of Burnsville, North Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at his home with his son and daughter by his side. He was the husband of the late Carol Ann (Kresge) Dailey, who passed away in 2011, with whom he shared 56 wonderful years of marriage. Born on July 28, 1932, at home in Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late William C. Dailey and Gladys (Toth) Dailey. In addition to his wife and parents, he was also preceded in death by his brothers, Harry R. Dailey and Daniel J. Dailey, and his sister, Sarah A. Palmisano.
William grew up and lived in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, until moving to Burnsville, North Carolina, in 1997. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He worked as a railroad signal maintainer and retired from Conrail after many years of dedicated service. William enjoyed a full and active life centered around family, service, and the outdoors. He was an avid golfer and continued playing with his golfing buddies well into his 93rd year. He also enjoyed hunting and was a breeder of AKC-registered Beagles, having been a longtime member of the Monroe Beagle Club. William loved attending minor league baseball games with his daughter and found great joy in spending time outdoors. He had a true green thumb, and his yard was always filled with beautiful flowers. William was also a proud blood donor and dedicated volunteer who gave his time to many organizations, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Reconciliation House, Habitat for Humanity, and various church projects. He was a faithful member of Spruce Pine United Methodist Church.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Beth Ziemba of Burnsville, NC, and William J. Dailey, Jr. (Janet) of Effort, PA; grandsons, Allen Shafer of Green Mountain, NC, Eric Ziemba (Heather) of Spruce Pine, NC, Zachary Dailey (Carmela Taddeo) of Tobyhanna, PA, and Logan Dailey (Lauren) of Vancouver, WA; five great-grandchildren, Emma Grace Ziemba, Kaylee Rose Ziemba, Isabella, Jamie, and Zachary; his sister, Dorothy D. Hartman of Mt. Pocono, PA; his sister-in-law, Lois Dailey of Hackettstown, NJ; his brother-in-law, Dwayne Kresge (Janis) of Highspire, PA; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Graveside services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8th, 2026, at Prospect Cemetery, at 501 Prospect St, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in William’s memory to Reconciliation House, P.O. Box 1147, Burnsville, NC, or Compassionate Care WNC, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Yancey Funeral Services is respectfully serving the Dailey family. To Send an online condolence please visit: www.yanceyfuneralservice.com