Hueland Howard Hale

Hueland ‘Howard Carson’ Hale was born in Hico, Texas on February 11, 1957 to Gussie Merle and Hueland Earl Hale. He passed away on January 21, 2021 in Austin, Texas at the age of 63. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Cheryl Lynn (Conn) Hale, his daughter Jessica Hale Allen and husband Westley, and his son Hunter Carson Hale and wife Terri. He was also blessed with four grandchildren whom he loved more than anything; Carson Robert Hale, Lola Hale Allen, William Howard Allen and Sawyer Alan Hale, and many other family and friends.

Howard Carson attended Grapevine High School, followed by Howard Payne University where he received a football scholarship and met Cheryl, the great love of his life. He signed with the Los Angeles Rams NFL team in 1980, and the Los Angeles Express USFL team in 1984. He was a “hard-hitting Texas ram” as one paper described him, selected to be on both 1984 and ‘85 USFL All-Star Teams.

Upon retiring from football, Howard and his family moved back to Austin where he worked as a fishing guide and participated in tournaments. Later he opened two successful composting businesses, retiring in 2016.

Howard was larger than life, with an unforgettable and sometimes hilariously inappropriate sense of humor that always lightened the mood. He was a beloved father, brother, son, husband, friend, coach, teammate, teacher, and a true superhero. He was happiest fishing and hunting, but also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, telling stories, and having debates only he would ever win. He always said he was “the last of a dying breed,” and his presence and wisdom will be missed. Though he is gone too soon, we take comfort in knowing we will see him again in heaven.

A private service for the family will take place on Sunday, January 31, 2021. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in his name to the Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Fund. Howard’s final wish was to have his brain donated to the center for scientific research. If you have questions, please contact busmdev@bu.edu. Thank you for your love and support.