West Columbia City Councilman Dale Harley passed away about 5 a.m. Thursday according to West Columbia Mayor Bobby Horton.

“Dale will be sorely missed,” Horton said. “He was a real stalwart. You could always count on his good, sound advice. He knew what was going on and he had a good sense for doing the right thing.”

Horton said Harley, who was mayor pro-tem, suffered from diabetes and he had not been present at council meetings recently, because he was in the hospital. He was being treated for sepsis, an infection-based, ailment, but Horton said the thought was that Harley was recovering.

Just Wednesday night, he seemed to be in good spirits, said Horton.
Horton also said the flag at West Columbia City Council was being lowered to half-staff in honor of Harley.