Manuel Hale

One’s story in life begins at birth. All chapters following are an ongoing work in progress, revealing the highs and lows in each one’s novel, with each day urging its author on to that climatic “Story Ending”.

The pages of this novel began for Manuel Lee Hale, when he was born on March 26th, 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 forever cherish his loving memories. Believing God’s word… and that two shall become one flesh…Manuel and Prescilla Tidwell were united in Holy Matrimony on June 26th, 1963. God blessed the union with five children. Carolyn Hale, Gretal Hale, Manuel Hale, Kay Sandra Hale and Victor Hale. In his 80th season, the final chapter ended on Tuesday, May 21st, 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 till his health failed him. He graduated from Simmons High in 1961. He loved watching NBA, WNBA, Razorback Basketball, and Westerns. He also enjoyed listening to R&B, Blues, and Gospel music. He worked numerous jobs, but his last job was with Firestone Rubber Company in Prescott, Arkansas for 18 years.

Manuel is preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Prescilla Hale. The couple was the epitome of the marital vows for better or worse, in sickness and in health, til death did them part. More gone on before him includes his father Imon Hale Sr, his mother Corenthia Hale, and 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. There are 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-6:00 P.M. with family and friends hour at the funeral home from 5:00 P.M.-6:00 P.M. Funeral services are Saturday, June 1, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Okolona, AR, at 1:00 P.M. Burial and final resting place will be in First Baptist Church Cemetery in Okolona, AR.