James Richard Hale , 74, of Shelbyville, passed away Friday, January 19, 2018, in Shelbyville.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, January 26, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 27, 2018, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Pastor Jeff Headrick and Bro. Dennis Owens officiating. Interment will follow at Dunnigan Cemetery in Shelby County.

Mr. Hale was born February 16, 1943, in Marshall, Arkansas, to Claude Milton Hale and Letha Mae Foshee Hale. He served in the United States Army National Guard, reaching the rank of 2 ^nd Lieutenant. Mr. Hale later became a teacher, where he taught 8 ^th grade English at Hemphill Middle School. During his free time, Mr. Hale enjoyed golfing and watching Dallas Cowboy football. He was member of Faith Alive Church in San Augustine, where he enjoyed sharing his Bible knowledge through various Bible study classes.

He is survived by
Wife: Barbara Coons Hale of Patroon, Texas

Daughters:
Pamela Hale and husband, Dan Sabath, of Seattle, Washington
Beverly Carter of Katy, Texas
Melody Bierwirth and husband, Rich, of Brighton, Tennessee

Grandchildren:
Britney Van Antwerp of Holland, Michigan
Muriel Albright of Brighton, Tennessee
Michael Carter of Houston, Texas
Taylor Eilers of Sydney, Australia
Zachary Carter of Katy, Texas
Ryan Bierwirth of Brighton, Tennessee
Callie Sabath of Seattle, Washington

Great Grandson: John Thomas Albright of Brighton, Tennessee

Sister: Donna Riley of Cleveland, Texas

Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives

A host of golfing buddies and friends

Preceded in death by
Granddaughter: Sarah Emmaline Adame
Parents: Claude Milton Hale and Letha Mae Foshee Hale
Sisters: Betty Risinger, Sue Hale
Brother: Bobby Hale
Mother-in-law: Virgie Coons

Pallbearers will be Jerry Price, Larry Ferguson, John Underwood, Michael Carter, Zachary Carter and Mike Carter.  Honorary pallbearers will be Jonathan Van Antwerp and Ryan Bierwirth.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Faith Alive Church Building Fund, 1013 FM 1277, San Augustine, Texas 75972.