Charles Ray Hale, Ray to all who knew him, transitioned to his eternal home peacefully Thursday, May 27, 2021 at his home in West Point, Georgia. Ray, son of the late Lewis And Mavis Patterson Hale, was born December 17, 1936 in Randolph County, Alabama.
Ray is survived by his wife of 66 years, Barbara Godfrey Hale; sons Jeff (Renée) Hale of Lansing, Illinois, Scott (Jill) Hale, Valley, Alabama; grandchildren Nathan (Amber) Hale, Stephen (Ruth) Hale, Mark Hale, and Laura (Casey) Anglin, his step grandchildren Holeigh (Walter) Daniel, Pax (Julia) Herrin, brother Jimmy Hale, and eight great-grandchildren: Jensen, Selah, Gwyneth, Brooks, Baylor, Malachi, Kaylee, and Evie.
Ray entered the U.S. Navy in November 1954 and achieved Honor Man of his Company. Ray served as helmsman aboard the U.S.S. Okanogan (APA 220).
Following his military service, Ray was one of ten drivers originally employed by West Point Manufacturing Company Transportation Center. After 40 years of service, Ray retired with a stellar safety record and a senior driver among a corps of over 200 drivers.
During his retirement, Ray was a Veteran Administration volunteer for 10 years. Besides his formal volunteer work, Ray enjoyed using his driving skills to serve churches and other organizations. Ray took great joy his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
At age 17, Ray professed his faith in Jesus Christ and received baptism in Webb Lake through Bethel United Methodist Church (Gray Hill Community). Walking with the Lord for 67 years, Ray faithfully attended and served various churches in West Point and LaGrange. Most recently, Ray served as an Elder for Turnaround Christian Center, LaGrange.
We mourn the loss of this beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, while rejoicing that He is among faithful followers of Jesus in eternal glory. Ray leaves an example of a disciple of Jesus, who by the life of Jesus within him, overcame the troubles and suffering of this world and in doing so loved God, his family, and his neighbors well.
The celebration of Ray’s life will be at Bluffton Funeral Services, Lanett, Alabama on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM EDT, with the service following at 11:00 AM EDT. A private graveside service will follow. Pastor Jeff Watts is officiating.
Instead of flowers, the family encourages donations to Turnaround Christian Center, 3028 West Point Road, LaGrange, Ga 30240 (turneraroundcc.org-give), or Mission Aviation Fellowship @ mafint.org with whom grandson Stephen serves in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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For Customer Service please call: 1-888-610-8262
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