NEVER WILL FORGET WHEN I FIRST STARTED R.OT.C. THE MAN READ MY MIND AND SAID-"KIP, YOU CAN LEAD OR FOLLOW BUT, DON'T FORGET THE PEOPLE THAT GOT YOU THERE-COACH RUNYON-COACH BARNETT-COACH JAKE SEATON-SFC.WARREN-SFC.LUTTRELL AND ,OF COURSE LT.COL.THOMPSON.
EYES FRONT,KIP-YES,SIR SERGEANT MAJOR,SIR !

I am so saddened to learn of the passing of SGM Hall. SGM Hall was the most influential teacher I ever had. A man of impeccable character, always fair, kind and understanding his bearing and presence was a sight to behold. He encouraged me to attend college and not to pursue a military career. After joining the Army and then going to college I began to understand the advice he had given. He always looked out for me and made me feel like I was the most important student he had. He taught me how to shoot, I mean really shoot! He taught me how to rappel from the roof of Central High School; a skill that I would later use in Air Assault School. I will always remember when he retired from Central High, a tremendous standing  ovation from the entire gymnasium of students and parents.  When I began teaching, my remembrance of his demeanor and poise came back to influence how I taught my students. I will pray for his daughters and grandchildren for they have lost a great man. I cannot imagine the emptiness they must feel. I take comfort in knowing that if a man ever left an enduring positive mark on his country and this society it was SGM Hall and the thousands of lives he has touched over the years. 
However, I smile knowing that heaven will be "dress, right, dress" when I get there and we meet again. 
Jason Swift c/o 88'


I was deeply saddened to learn of Sargeant Major Hall's passing. He was a great man, soldier, and teacher. A loss for the world, but heaven has been improved. Peace to his family and to all of those feeling this terrible loss.

SGM Hall was a terrific soldier and leader. He was a significant part of my development as a teenager, and I consider myself very fortunate to have been one of his JROTC students at Central. My career also followed a military path, due in part to his terrific example. As military leader and lawyer, I have often applied the lessons he taught me at Central more than thirty ago. I now have the additional fortune of passing those lessons on to yet another generation of cadets. Thank you for everything, SGM Hall. You made a difference and your lessons live on in the hearts and minds of your many students. My sincere condolences to his family.

What an incredible loss for this world.  I had the privilege of being coached by Sergeant Major Hall on the rifle team at Central high.  No other man excepting my father commanded more of my respect. He was a mentor, set an outstanding example, and was someone I greatly cherished.  To this day, I use some of the lessons he taught me.  Not only did he exponentially improve my marksmanship, he made me a much better person.  I look forward to our meeting again, on the high ground. Well done, soldier,   Rest In Peace.

Sgt. Hall was a significant figure in my teens in the early 1950s. . I first met him while a sophomore at City High. Later, I transferred to Central High School and was thrilled to discover he was there, too. A firm but fair mentor and role model, he taught us the basic principles of manhood. Over the years since, I encountered him around town several times; he always recognized me and called me by name. He was a magnificent man who shaped the lives of thousands of young Chattanoogans.

He was a wonderful person...he will be missed! Praying for your family!      Mike McHarge

Sergeant Major Hall had a positive impact on all that came in contact with him. He was truly solid as a rock and unchanging for the 40+ years I had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a man along with my Dad that I had utmost respect for...And they both had flat tops! My thoughts and prayers go out to family!!!

sgt hall best man i ever knew great man.i will miss him dearly.

I spent almost my entire high school years in the Hall home!  Sgt Hall was such a funny and caring man!  He was like a second father to me.  He walked the walk....  His love of God, Family and Country shown bright throughout his entire life.  He was a great example for so many young people, me included.  RIP Sargent Hall!

they come no better than the Sgt Hall . I will never forget how good he was to all of us at Central High and to me . he was the man and will always be in my heart. Tom Hyler (Milton, Fl)

He was my high school instructor during the early fifties. I will never forget him.  Rest in peace, soldier.

Sgt. Maj. Hall was a man of integrity who cared about his students and sought to help them grow into better people.  I was proud to have known him and considered him to be one of my mentors.  He will be missed by many.

Forever etched in my memory.  He had the best command voice of anyone I have ever heard.  I'll have to disagree with the saying that "Old Soldier's never die, they just fade away." He will forever be in the hearts of his family and those he touched throughout his life.  God bless to the family.  Christian Goza

Another great man that influenced so very many.  We are so sorry to hear this.  Prayers for the Family.
The Underhills

Kelly and I hated to hear this news.  CSM Hall was one of my ROTC instructors during my time at Central High School.   Looking back now, as a career Army officer, I realize the impact that he had on my time there as a Cadet.  Whether he realized it or not, he's impacted thousands of Soldiers through his work with me and other students that have gone on to pursue military careers.  Thanks, CSM, for your service! We'll see you on the high ground.  LTC & Mrs Jay C. Land

SgtMaj Hall was one fine human being! He was instrumental in guiding me toward a career in the military that has made life for my wife and I so much easier than it could have been. It is impossible to estimate the number of young life's he has improved. RIP SgtMaj you will be missed!

Sgt. Major Hall was a big influence on my school life, my choice of how I wanted to be perceived by others and my outlook on life!

I feel very fortunate to have known this Good Man and have him as a Positive Role Model in my life!

May You Rest in Peace SIR!

Sergeant Major Hall was easily my favorite instructor at Central High School.  He put up with me as a timid, weepy freshman who was initially pretty scared of him and became a mentor to me as I moved through 4 years of JROTC and rifle team, which he coached.  The man absolutely had integrity and a firm commitment to doing things the way they needed to be done.  There was no cutting corners with Sergeant Hall! He could be fierce when the occasion warranted it, such as when he was teaching 14 year olds how to shoot rifles and M16s.  He was also, however, very kind to others.  When my father passed away in 1996, he attended the funeral, unbeknownst to me at the time.  Later, he came by my mother's house to visit with us and express his condolences.  I remember he and Mrs. Hall hosting the rifle team at their home and also how he kindly got my truck out of the driveway after I had torn off a side mirror on one of the trees, having just got my driver's license.  He was never given to open displays of emotion but it was evident that he adored his wife, daughters and grandson.  He was, simply, a wonderful person and I will always remember him.  Rest in peace, SGM Hall.

I had the pleasure of being coached by Sgt. Hall on the Central High softball team. He was a great man that had a huge influence on many kids! Rest in peace Sgt. Hall.

OBITUARY

Robert LeRoy Hall

September 11, 1924 – November 20, 2017

Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-Valley View Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services