Raymond Gilbert “Bill” Hale, 93 years old, of Lake Brownwood, Texas passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023 peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. Family will host a visitation 5 – 7 pm on Friday, September 1st at Heartland Funeral Home in Early, Texas. Funeral Services will be 10 am Saturday, September 2, 2023 at Heartland Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at the Blake Cemetery located in Northwest Brown County in the old Williams Community.
Bill was born South of Loraine, Texas on October 16, 1929 in the Bowman Community. He was the fourth child of Charlie and Nettie Pace Hale. Bill moved to Martin County, Stanton, Texas with his family in November, 1937 to the Badgett Community. He helped farm while attending the small Badgett School and later attended Courtney High School. He graduated in 1946 and moved to Midland, Texas. He worked in construction for several years. Bill married Juanita Chick of Rising Star, Texas on October 29, 1948 in Midland, Texas. He was drafted into the U.S. Army on February 26, 1952 and served his country for 2 years during the Korean War plus 6 years in the reserves, receiving a honorable discharge in 1960. He attended Odessa Junior College and later went to work for Union Oil Company of California in the oil and gas accounting department in Midland, Texas for 30 years, retiring in 1987.
Bill is survived by two children, Sharon Wagner, Stacy Hale and wife Brenda; grandchildren, Melissa Bertoldi and husband Tony, Thomas Wagner, Jay Nelson, Sandi Nelson and Robin Nelson; five great grandchildren, Giovanni Bertoldi, Alex Nelson, Evan Nelson, Alison Doughman and Evelyn Doughman. Bill is also survived by 1 sister Betty Crocker and husband Sonny; 2 brothers, Doyle Hale, Kenneth Hale and wife Bobbie; 2 sister-in-laws, Flow Hale and Sylvia Hale; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
He is preceded in death by his Juanita Chick Hale; his parents, Charlie and Nettie Hale; sisters, Averill Badgett and husband, Hester, Bernice Vannoy and husband Dave, Jean Ann Padgett and husband, J. W., Maime McFar and husband Bruce, Lura Davis and husband Dave; sister-in-law Clarice Hale; brothers, Hubert Hale and Charles Hale; brother-in-law Sonny Crocker; He was a member of the Baptist Church, loved hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He loved to dance to most all music especially country and Cajun with lots of fiddle. He said that it made him feel young.
The family would especially like to thank, Dr. Cecilia Karl, Veterans Clinic of Brownwood, Tx, Solaris Hospice, especially Tara, Kailey and Brooke.
Also, the family is grateful for the support and kindness of all of the neighbors, friends and family.
In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity.
Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net
