Obituary For Charles Ray Hale

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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Guest Book

I was a dispatcher at WPS,Ray had a regular route and did not check in with the dispatcher. Before I retired in 1996 our boss Bobby Hampton had me to take a ride in a truck, he picked Ray, Ray's route was to Abbeville, AL and Chipley, FL every day. I really enjoyed the trip and I could not thank Bobby enough for picking Ray for me to go with. I knew of Ray but did not really know him. After that day every time I met Ray I enjoyed talking with him. Also if someone was always in a hurry they should be around Ray for awhile, take things slow and easy and you will still get there. Always had a smile and a joy to talk with, know he will be missed. Love to his family! Frank and Winnie Gaither

- Frank Gaither

Ray was a wonderful man. We have been enjoying the blessings of prayer with Ray & Barbara since 2019. The love in their home was obvious from the moment you stepped through the door. We love you and will never forget you~ Jeff & Dee Mathis

- Dee Mathis

Life well lived is life celebrated long after it's ball to glory. I have no doubt the life of our father, grandfather, brother, and friend would continue to be celebrated until the last tree on earth does and the tree of life is visible for all to eat from. May the Lord fill every void created as a result of our fathers call onto glory. You are blessed Dr. Jeff Hale. - Ahmed Kenneth Quarshie (Rev. Dr.) Bible League Ghana 🇬🇭

- Ahmed Kenneth

May the Lord strengthen you, Mr. Jeff Hale. My condolence. (Olivia, formerly of BLI)

- Olivia Akumani