Mr. Hale is survived by his wife, Mary Tom, his daughter, Jan Andrew (Steven) and his granddaughter, Haley Goodwyn.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ethel Murray and Frank Hale, his sister, Bobbie White, his daughter, Lisa Goodwyn and son-in-law, Leon Goodwyn.
Mr. Hale was a 1947 graduate of Emma Sansom High School where he played football and basketball, as well as, directing the band as drum major. He served in the Navy during World War II. Soon after he began working at Republic Steel and retired only to begin a new career as a bailiff for Judge Donald Stewart and Judge Shaun Malone. He retired from the state in 2003.
Among his many outstanding qualities, service to his church always seemed to be some of the most exceptional. He was baptized and became a member of Twelfth Street Baptist Church in 1955. There he was a Sunday School teacher and leader in the Royal Ambassadors for many young boys. He was Brotherhood Director and a Deacon. He also served on the search committee and was active in the homebound ministry. In 2009 he became a member of Gadsden First United Methodist Church where he continued to serve with the homebound ministry and the clothes closet.
Bill Hale was a hugh New York Yankees fan and an Alabama Crimson Tide fan. He was the happiest when he was spending time with his wife or supporting the activities of his daughter and granddaughter. He also loved any opportunity to help someone else. It would be impossible to put into words the countless lives he has touched because of his kindness, selflessness, and Christian heart. His biggest accomplishment was being a hero to Lisa, Jan and Haley. He always held their hand and that is forever in their heart. He was a devoted and loving husband for 71 years to Mary Tom, who in his words was the love of his life.
Pallbearers will be Judge Donald W. Stewart, Judge Shaun Malone, Ray Grigsby, Mark Morrison, Matthew Vance and Wayne Copeland
Honorary Pallbearer will be Dr. Troy Morrison.
Visitation will be Thursday from 10:30 am until 12:30 p.m. with funeral at 12:30 p.m. at Collier-Butler Funeral Home. The service will be officiated by Dr. Richard Trader and Rev. Sam Hayes.
Memorials may be made to Gadsden First United Methodist Church or Twelfth Street Baptist Church.
