G. W. Hale, 77

G. W. Hale, age 77, of the Midway Community in Allen County, KY, and formerly of Macon County, Tenn., passed away May 4, 2009, at the Macon County General Hospital.  Funeral services were conducted Thurs., May 7, 2009, at from the Alexander Funeral Home Chapel with Elder Jeff Blackwell officiating.

David Blankenship, Bryan Wilburn, Brett Wilburn, Matt Thompson, Jamie Ausbrooks, and George Roberts served as pallbearers. Interment followed in the Akersville Cemetery. G. W. Hale was born on Sept. 5, 1931 in Macon County, Tenn., to the late Robert Michael and Lucy Wilson Hale. He married the former Titia Ann Yokley on December 23, 1953, sharing fifty years together, and raising two daughters, Titia preceded him in death on September 3, 2004. Besides his wife and parents; one daughter, Conella Hale Dempsey, son-in-law, Donnie Wilburn, sisters, Lorine Blankenship, and Kathleen Hale, also preceded him in death. G. W. grew up in Macon County on the banks of White Oak Creek and later became a resident of Allen County, KY for over fifty years. He was a veteran, serving in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict with the 83rd, tank battalion. Aside from the pride he felt in his children and grandchildren he was most proud of serving his country. Through the years, G. W. worked several construction jobs, but was a life-long farmer. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, working on his farm, raising cattle, and sharing information about family history. One of his greatest pleasures was watching his cattle graze. G. W. was a former director of the Allen County Farm Bureau and a member of the local VFW. He was also a member of the Akersville Missionary Baptist Church, where he was ordained as a deacon in 1987. Though he had limited formal education, G. W. possessed a wealth of knowledge. Family and friends often sought his advice and guidance. His patience and understanding were inspirations for a great number of people but especially for his daughters and grandchildren. He is survived by; daughter, Rita Hale Wilburn of Lafayette, Tenn., grandchildren, David Blankenship and fiancé Christy Eaton of Adolphus, KY, Bryan (Emily) Wilburn of Peoria, IL, Beth (Matt) Thompson of Cincinnati, OH, Brett (Alisha) Wilburn of Knoxville, Tenn., Brittany (Jamie) Ausbrooks of Adolphus, KY, and six great-grandchildren.