Herbert ”Leon” Hale, 80, of Mountain View, Arkansas passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at UAMS in Little Rock, Arkansas. Leon was born in the county of Tillamook, Oregon on November 16, 194,4 to the late Clarence and Francis (Nichols) Hale.
Leon graduated from Timbo High School where he excelled at basketball and to this day his jersey is still on the wall. He married his high school sweetheart, Wilma (Powell) Hale on May 10, 1962, whom he was married to for 53 years before her passing in 2015. He enjoyed coaching outside co-ed basketball leagues in Texas. Leon was a member of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, and as an ordained minister had the privilege of filling in for Brother Gary on occasion. He loved western movies and above all else he loved his family. He raised kids all his life and the love for his family was his highest priority. He will be greatly missed by all of his loving family and friends.
Leon is survived by his daughter, Chastity Hale; grandchildren, Joshua Whitworth and Adalee Smitherman; great-grandchild, Payten Hinkle; one cousin, Karen White along with many extended family and friends.
Leon is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Francis (Nichols) Hale; beloved wife of 53 years and high school sweetheart, Wilma Lou (Powell) Hale; son, Tony Hale; daughter, Tonya Russian, and brother, Virgile Hale.
Visitation is Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Roller Coffman Chapel in Mountain View, Arkansas. Funeral services are Wednesday, November 27, 2024, 1:00 PM at Roller Coffman Chapel in Mountain View, Arkansas with Brother Gary Ragland officiating. Leon will be laid to rest next to his late wife, Wilma Lou (Powell) Hale at Big Springs Cemetery in Newnata, Arkansas.
Pallbearers are Josh Whitworth, John Webb, Robert Peaeson, AJ Turner, Bobby Balentine and Dwight Johnson.
Honorary Pallbearers are Joesph Villars, Joe Villars, Will Villars, Mack Mealer, Junior Barham Tim Mullins, and Robert Avey.
Roller Crouch Funeral Home in Mountain View, Arkansas is in charge of the arrangements.
