CM SGT. Richard Robert Hall JR
September 25, 1923 – January 25, 2021
Richard Robert Hall JR was born September 25, 1923 in Brooks County Georgia, as the eldest of four children to Robert Richard Hall and Mattie Elizabeth Rountree Hall. He was preceded in death by his wife Thelma Hall of many years and his adult daughter Gloria Hall in 2013. Richard was six months old when he moved with his parents to Winter Park, FL. Richard was baptized at an early age at the family home church Mount Moriah Baptist. Here he served the Lord in his youth and as a faithful Deacon and Sunday school attendee before his passing.
During his earlier years he attended Hannibal Square Elementary, Hungerford Vocational High School, and Xavier University in New Orleans, LA where he was drafted in 1942 for World War II. Richard established a military career and served in the US Air Force for 30 years. He was a Tuskegee Airman trained in munitions and aircraft maintenance during World War II. His career in the Air Force included deployment to North Africa, Italy and the South Pacific during the war. After the war he was stationed in Ohio at the 332 fighter Wing at Lockbouane Air Force Base under the command of the renowned Tuskegee Airman Col. Benjamin O. Davis. During the Korean conflict Richard was deployed to Kimpo Air Base. It was after this war that his acts of valor led to the promotion of Chief Master Sergeant. Richard continued to serve the military through the Vietnam War. He retired in 1973 with honors and distinction. Richard pursued a second career working for the state of Ohio in Columbus until retirement age. He then returned to his Florida roots to assist with his aging parents and to enjoy the warmth of the sunshine state.
Richard was honored on March 29, 2007 along with 300 airmen receiving the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor from President George W. Bush as a Tuskegee Airman. This was the highest civilian honor that congress can bestow. These men served courageously during the time of early integration in the armed services. They were not often recognized or celebrated for their contributions and victories defending America. During his final years Master Sergeant Richard Hall was honored as a well – deserving hero, and attended many functions and parades along with his caregiver Mrs. Dee Peoples. Richard also made train trips to visit his brother Dr. Clyde Hall and his family in Savannah, GA. He enjoyed many family reunions over the years that included the Hall-Kornegay, Hall-Stroud, and Rountree families.
A very special recognition came as a native son growing up in the Winter Park community. A life sized sculpture in his likeness, sporting a red Tuskegee Airman hat and jacket, standing outside the Hannibal Square Heritage Center makes him a true Black History Maker.
The CM Sgt Richard R Hall Jr the Central Florida chapter Tuskegee Airmen Inc. was named in his honor. Other remembrances of his family history are included in his brother’s book “An African American Growing Up on the West Side of Winter Park, Florida 1925-1942” by Dr. Clyde W. Hall.
Richard’s final birthday celebration of 97 years was a spectacular drive by and tail gate event. Participants were represented from many of the surrounding communities. These types of activities along with the love for his family, church, Tuskegee Airmen club, and friends kept him vibrant until his last two weeks of life. Richard was a generous person. His laughter, smile, and historical conversations will be missed.
In addition to his parents Richard was preceded in death by his wife Thelma Hall, his brother Willis Hall, his sister Mable Hall, his daughter Gloria Hall, and sister in law Maud Lee Blount Hall (Clyde’s wife). He is survived by his brother Dr. Clyde Woodrow Hall (Savannah, GA), Nephew, Woodrow Hall (Glennda) of Atlanta, GA; their children Danielle, Taylor & Christopher Hall; Nephew, Alvin Hall of Savannah, GA; Nephew, Karl Hall; his son Muhannah; Niece, Lydia Hall Johnikin (Vil Sr) Charlotte, NC, their children Vil Johnikin II (Tawanda) Madison, AL his child Trey; Lashanda Johnikin Barber Charlotte, NC her son Davis Barber-GA; Uncle Lonnie Rountree (deceased) his children Rudolph (deceased), Juanita and Roy- Winter Park, FL; Cousin Roy Rountree Jr. (Vernaline) of Deland, FL, Cousin Pat Culpepper-Jones deceased and Nate Jones -Winter Park, FL and a host of other relatives and friends including long term caretaker and family friend, Dimitrius Peoples. A special recognition to friends Clara and James Smith.
NOTE: Face mask & social distances required!
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers and food, a memorial contribution in memory of Richard R. Hall, Jr. can be made to Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 421 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Winter Park FL, 32789.
VIEWING
(A WALK THROUGH due to COVID)
Friday, February 5, 2021
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church
421 S. Pennsylvania Ave.
Winter Park, FL 32789
(Masks are required along with social distances
**to view services online please follow one of the links below**
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18