The story of one’s life begins at birth. All of the following chapters are a continuous work in progress, revealing the highs and lows of each one’s novel, each day urging its author to reach that climatic “End of the Story.”
The pages of this novel began for Manuel Lee Hale, when he was born on March 26, 1944 in Okolona, AR, the third child of Corenthia Osborn Hale and Imon Hale Sr. He was known as “FAT” and “Sonny” by those who will always cherish your loving memories. Believing the word of God… and that two will become one flesh… Manuel and Prescilla Tidwell were united in Holy Matrimony on June 26, 1963. God blessed the union with five children. Carolyn Hale, Gretal Hale, Manuel Hale, Kay Sandra Hale and Victor Hale. In its 80th season, the final episode ended on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at his home in Okolona, Arkansas.
Manuel joined the church at an early age. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Okolona, Arkansas, until his health failed him. He graduated from Simmons High in 1961. He loved watching NBA, WNBA, Razorback Basketball and Westerns. He also liked to listen to R&B, Blues and Gospel music. He worked numerous jobs, but his last job was at Firestone Rubber Company in Prescott, Arkansas, for 18 years.
Manuel was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Prescilla Hale. The couple was the embodiment of marriage vows for better or worse, in sickness and in health, until death separated them. Additional people who preceded him include his father Imon Hale Sr, his mother Corenthia Hale and his brother Imon Hale Jr. He leaves to cherish his precious memories, his devoted children, Carolyn Hale (Dewayne) of Little Rock, AR, Manuel Hale ( Linda ) of Little Rock, AR, Gretal Hale-Thomas (Archie) of Malvern AR, Kay Smith (Charlie) of Okolona, AR, Victor Hale of North Little Rock, AR., Rafael Bufford (Cyn’Quala) of Fayetteville , AR, Trina Cameron of Cleveland, Ohio, and Anthony Cameron of Cleveland, Ohio; his sister Shirley Dancey of Los Angeles, CA, and his brothers; Johnny Hale of Arkadelphia, AR and Norman Hale (Donna) of Little Rock, AR. He has 22 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be at Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 12 noon to 6:00 pm with family and friends at the funeral home from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm Funeral services will be Saturday, June 1 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Okolona, AR, at 1:00 pm Burial and final resting place will be at the First Baptist Church Cemetery in Okolona, AR.
Keynote USA
For the Latest Local News, Follow Keynote USA Local on Twitter.