Ronald James Hale

Ronald James Hale, 89, died peacefully on January 22, 2021. Married for 55 years to his late wife, Barbara Junca Hale, he is survived by his 4 children, Gwen, Robert (Yvette), Bryan (Charlene), and Nancy; his grandchildren, Courtney (David), Clinton (Helen), Caroline (Kevin), Leslie (Paul), Philip (Molly), Kristen (Jonathan), Scott, Michael, James, and Katherine; and his great grandchildren, Mason, Leah, Maxine, Aurora, Chase, Noah.

Ron grew up in Franklin, Louisiana and had, in his own words, “the most wonderful life.” He was blessed to grow up in a large loving family. He had 6 step-siblings, 6 sisters and 2 devoted, caring parents who shaped the man that he became. He was one of the youngest in the family and his 6 sisters cherished him -- and they always looked out for one another. Ron was always caring, helping others and had a strong commitment and devotion to family. He was a very gracious, kind and considerate spirit who always had concern for others ahead of his own. He was keenly interested in the lives of his immediate family as well as his very large extended family and friends. He was a tremendous husband, father, and brother to all of his family members. Family gatherings, dinners and quality time with his immediate family and extended family are what Ron loved the most.

Second to his family was his devotion to faith, Ron was a member of the St. Mary Magdalen Church where he actively pursued his faith and raised his children in that same faith. He also did a yearly retreat to Manresa which was one of the highlights of his year and left a profound impact on him. He attended the Manresa retreat for 40 years and truly loved it. Ron was a very involved father and grandfather, teaching sports, the importance of school work & education, workmanship, and how to be handy around the house. At the heart of the extended family was the yearly trip to Percy Quin State Park where he and his brother-in-law, AJ, had bought a boat and decided to teach all of the families to ski. Ron spent his summer vacations riding around in circles pulling all the skiers while Barbara tended to all the meals and preparations along with various aunts and cousins. All who attended these vacations have the most cherished memories that have lasted over 20 years. His nightly sitting time at the lake for the sunset was his reward. A ritual he still loved until to the end -- being at a lake with the sunset. He also enjoyed reading his daily newspaper in the recliner at the end of the day. Ron was also quite the overall athlete in many sports and continued playing competitive tennis up till age 74. His well earned nickname, “The Terminator,” came from his tennis career. He continued to play pool through age 88.

He was the model of how to live a balanced life. Always patient, encouraging, and engaging. For those that knew whence he came, it was clear that he had his father’s work ethic and his mother’s gracious kind heart. Ron left Franklin to attend college at Southwestern Louisiana University where he earned a degree in Business Administration. Right out of college he started working for Shell Oil Company - where again his devotion and loyalty showed as this was the only job he had. He worked for Shell for 32 years and retired at age 55. Ron first worked in Franklin as a Data Processing Manager after graduation, and it was while back home he met the love of his life, Barbara. They married in 1954 and began their family in Glencoe, LA when Gwen and Robert were born. Then Ron was transferred within Shell Oil Company and moved to Metairie, LA where Bryan and Nancy were born. Barbara was truly the love of Ron’s life. They had the children as a bond but also loved to travel together and dance. They traveled around North America on many RV trips and also traveled to Europe. They began dancing later in life to their beloved Cajun music, attending festivals and dances regularly. They had a bond of the cajun heritage which they passed down to their children -- especially the cajun love of life and good times. We know that he is up in heaven dancing with Barbara and looking down at their family with an immense sense of pride. The Hale house was forever full of love and laughter and extended family members coming and going and eating. In keeping with his motto of life that you have to balance family, work, faith and play.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or your Local Food Bank.

Services will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 6425 W. Metairie Ave. Metairie, LA 70003. Family and friends are invited to a Visitation that will begin at 10:00 a.m., with a Mass at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be private. The family invites you to share fond memories and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.