August 17, 2010

Rev. Walter Hale, 77, of 3324 Nansemond Pkwy, Suffolk, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010 at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. He was a native of Nansemond County and the son of the late George Henry Hale Sr. and Highlee Hale. He was also predeceased by one daughter, Cathy H. Scott.

He retired from Norfolk Naval Shipyard after 42 years. He also worked for WLQM Radio Station in Franklin, Va. as a gospel DJ for 45 years. He was a lead singer for the Southern Hummingbirds for more than 50 years. Mr. Hale was a bus driver for Lassiter’s Bus Service, Gaines Bus Service and James Bus Service. He was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Outreach Center, where he was the associate minister, trustee and chairman of the building committee.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife of 58 years, Hattie L. Hale; four daughters, Carolyn L. Hale and Joyce A. Hale, both of Suffolk, Corinne Hale, of Portsmouth, Va., and Linda G. Williams (Walter), of Chesapeake, Va.; son-in-law, Ricky Scott, of Suffolk; nine grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Alice Durden, of Detroit, Mich., Mary I. Hale, of Suffolk, and Beatrice Hale, of Portsmouth; two brothers, George Henry Hale Jr. (Joyce), of Portsmouth, and Matthew Hale, of Suffolk; one brother-in-law and four sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, Aug. 23, 2010 at 1 p.m. in Tabernacle Baptist Outreach Center, officiated by the Rev. Nathaniel Scates Sr. Interment will be in Tabernacle Baptist Outreach Center Cemetery. Crocker Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com.