Deacon James Henry Hale

The Life of Deacon James Henry Hale

"We are confident yes, well pleased, rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8.

Deacon James Henry Hale was born to Mary Smith and John (Doc) Hale in Forest Home, Alabama on September 19, 1944. He was a member of Zion Rest AME Zion Church. Deacon Hale joined Minister Alice Green in Holy Matrimony on November 28, 1980 in Cleveland, Ohio. They joined Faith Temple Church of God in 1985 and remained there, becoming a part of the homeless ministry outreach and as maintenance worker for the church until his retirement and eventual move to Greenville, Alabama in 2006.

Upon arriving in the Greenville area, they joined the Rockwest Baptist Church in the summer of 2007. Deacon Hale worked faithfully, lending his talents to the beautification of the church. He was appointed church treasure where he labored until the on-set of dementia. Deacon Hale remained very active in the church until alzheimers and cancer took a toll on his body. Deacon Hale was highly thought of, in and outside of the church, and he will be truly missed.

Preceding James in transition to be with the Lord was his beloved mother, Mary Smith; his father, John Hale; his stepmom, Lillie Hale; two beloved brothers and three sisters; stepson, Sidney Green.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Minister Alice Hale; two daughters, Mary Lois Herbert and Jalice Hale (Sedrick) Lawson; a son, Keith Payton; three sisters, Johnnie Mae Harrison, Arzell Smith and Nora Grayson; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nephews, friends, church members and his adopted family, the Banks and Wrights. Deacon Hale was friend, Husband, father, brother, uncle and above all, he was God's child.

I leave you with a few words from his favorite song of all.

"I keep on toiling, Lord, I'm toiling through the storm and rain.

Patiently waiting and watching until the Savior comes again.

I am waiting, Lord, every day I'm trusting in your Word.

When the gates swing open, I'll walk in."

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