OBITUARY
Dr. George "Bub" Allen Haile
January 17, 1934 – January 11, 2021
Dr. George Allen “Bub” Haile of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 11, 2021 at the age of 86 after a battle with cancer. Born January 17, 1934 in the small mill town of Ansley, LA, he grew up in nearby Jonesboro as the youngest of eight children. A life-long learner, his educational journey began with a basketball scholarship to Louisiana Tech and continued on to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, earning an additional Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Theology. He later earned a Master’s in counseling at Louisiana Tech and a Doctorate in Ministry at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
George ministered throughout Louisiana for over 40 years. He served as pastor of several churches until 1962 when he became the Director of the Baptist Student Union at Louisiana Tech where he mentored many students in their Christian faith for eight years. George was blessed to be beloved by two church communities in Baton Rouge. He served University Baptist Church as their pastor for 27 years beginning in 1970. After his retirement in 1998, he went on to serve as the Minister of Pastoral Care at Broadmoor Baptist Church until 2011.
George lived out his Christian faith. He shared in countless special times of highs and lows in the lives of his church family and was a source of support to many. He loved all of God’s children and wanted them to know that God’s love and grace are unconditional. He was a genuine, kind, and caring husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and friend. He enjoyed fishing, LSU sports, fried shrimp, a nightly bowl of ice cream, and above all, a “good visit.” He will be sorely missed by his family and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Joy Shankles Haile. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Gay Wales Haile, daughter Lydia Haile Follis, son Scott Haile (wife Nora), stepchildren Lydia Jumonville (husband John), Donna Martin, and Scott Wales (wife Laurie), grandchildren Steven Follis (wife Kimberly), Daniel Follis, Brandon Jumonville (wife Amanda), Jason Jumonville (wife Rachael), Blake Jumonville, Taylor Martin DeJarnett (husband Harrison), Tucker Martin (wife Pam), Josh Martin (wife Hannah), Audrey Wales, Emeline Young, and thirteen great grandchildren.
The family very much appreciates your thoughts and prayers. Due to COVID-19 concerns and restrictions, an appropriate celebration to honor George’s life will be postponed until a time when it will be safer for friends and family to gather. We will share information when those plans are made.
On George’s birthday on Sunday, January 17, both Broadmoor Baptist and University Baptist churches will take a moment during their services to honor George and his ministry. Friends and family are welcome to join in these services online.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of the following in George’s honor:
1.George Allen Haile Endowed Scholarship Fund for Truett Seminary (3202202-END), Baylor University, One Bear Place #97050 Waco, TX 76798 (https://www.baylor.edu/giving/index.php?id=928513) 2.Broadmoor Baptist Church, 9755 Goodwood Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815 (https://www.broadmoorbaptist.com/donate)
3.University Baptist Church, 5775 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (https://www.ubc-br.org/give)
Memories
Dr. George "Bub" Allen Haile
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYGay Crain
January 20, 2021
My family & I will always remember Brother Haile as a very special beloved pastor, wonderful friend, & wise counselor. Like many others, we have many happy memories of Brother Haile. Brother Haile humbly expressed Christian love.
My husband Cecil remembers how kind Brother Haile was to visit us when we were a young family. Brother Haile baptized both our children Holly & Warren.
Our daughter Holly remembers how kind Brother Haile was when he married her over 31 years ago. Our son Warren remembers how concerned he was to hear I was in the hospital. Brother Haile came to see me more than once.
I will always remember how Brother Haile was kind to everyone. He taught us the Bible and taught Christ’s love by example.
We offer our deepest sympathy to Gay & his entire family.
With Love,
Cecil & Gay Crain, Holly Crain Bunn, & Warren Crain
David Wallace
January 18, 2021
I worked with George Haile on the Staff of University Baptist Church in the late 1970’s when he was Pastor there. He was a wonderful example and mentor for me early in my adult life. His emphasis on the worth and dignity of every person was a shining light throughout his life. He truly taught what Jesus taught and lived what Jesus lived.
Donna Garbarino Schwab
January 17, 2021
Great man. He helped me many times in my journey through life. He had a way, as you were leaving his office, to give you a nugget of truth that you’d never forget. Thank you George Haile. Thank you.
Dudley and Helen Fricke
January 17, 2021
Christ and the apostles cited the virtue of love more than any other. Almost every time I heard or read a reference to love, I thought of George Haile. His preaching counseled and inspired us to love; but his practicing it personified the loving spirit. While he was with us, we knew George loved us all. He’s left us knowing that we all loved him.
Grace & Michael Koo
January 16, 2021
Brother Haile was a Godly, kind, caring, thoughtful & gentle man whom we respected & loved for more than 47 years. We met him when we attended & became members of University Baptist University as students at LSU. He was our beloved pastor who officiated our wedding at the church in August 1973. We kept in touch even after we moved away all through these years. Since his retirement, he had always remembered both our birthdays & wedding anniversary with warm loving wishes over the phone. We treasured his love, care & kindness & will miss him dearly. We thank God that we were able to visit him in late February 2020, days before the “stay at home” was issued due to the pandemic. He would always be among the fond memories of our lifetime. ♥️
Bruce & Jacki Nolen
January 15, 2021
Bruce and Jacki Nolen treasure many wonderful memories of George touching our lives and others. Gay and family, may the comfort that comes from God and others be yours now and in the days ahead.
John Bateman
January 15, 2021
Sissy joins me in expressing our deepest sympathy. He was an outstanding minister who everyone wanted to handle the services of a deceased loved one. May he rest in peace.
Don garland
January 14, 2021
It is indeed a sad day. I was so fortunate to have George as a pastor.
George and Carey visited Nancy and me soon after we moved to BR after the wedding in 1983. We had some connections. George played basketball at Tech and my mother briefly dated one of his teammates. He also was BSU director at Tech when Nancy’s brothers were there. (Carey was on staff at Nancy’s home church in Alexandria). What stands out the most about that visit was at the end, when they were leaving, not knowing if they would ever see us again, George leaned in close to me and almost whispered, “The bottom line is you have to find a faith you can live and die with”. I have never forgotten that wisdom and his constant kindness. A few years later he came to me after a service and told me he wanted me to run for Trustee. He said “You won’t win, but it will put your name before the church and you need to serve later. This will help.” He had a plan for me although I didn’t know it. He was a blessing to my young family. As always, I got a call in September wishing me a happy Birthday.
The world is less kind with his passing. The rest of us will need to step up.
molly rankin
January 14, 2021
Bub was the BSU director at LaTech during my stay from '65 to '68. I met my future husband, Fred at the BSU. Fred lived in the room at the BSU, so he was very close to Bub. Bub opened up a whole new world for Fred, in those unsettled days of the '60's. It takes a special person to navigate the discord and bring people together. He did that. We all view life differently because of Bub. We are so grateful for having known him . No greater thing can be said about a person. RIP.
Michael McMahan
January 14, 2021
During my membership at UBC in the early 70s, I found 'Bub' to be a wonderful pastor, a very good friend, and a pure joy to know. Under his leadership, UBC proved to be a church that welcomed all and provided a nurturing, spiritual setting for its members.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Michael McMahan
Jimmie and Ralph Bohannon
January 13, 2021
Thank you, BUB, for your leadership and friendship during our years at Louisiana Tech.
Those were some of the best years of our lives!
Ralph and Jimmie Bee (Smith) Bohannon ‘63,’64
Patti Exner
January 13, 2021
Such a good man and supportive minister... Dr. Haile knew my parents, Johnny and Maurine Davis, from his years at University Baptist. He was always concerned about their health and well-being and was ever ready to help whenever/however needed. Thoughts and prayers for Mrs. Haile, Scott H., Scott W., and the rest of the family... Thank you for sharing him with us...
Derald Smith
January 13, 2021
I came to know George more than 55 years ago when he was the Baptist Student Union Director at Louisiana Tech. My dad was the State BSU Director and George was a fixture at meetings conferences and at so many meals at our home. He loved students and they loved him.When I attended LSU we attended University Baptist where George was our minister .He gave us so much hope and encouragement there as we completed our studies and began our careers. Imagine my delight when I attended my daughters church , Broadmoor Baptist for my grandson’s baptism...and there was George to greet us and congratulate us on our new Christian.
We exchanged many fond memories and warm hugs.You are missed
so much, but your spirit and teachings and guidance live on in all you touched.
Andrea Macejak
January 13, 2021
George was always a part of my family's life. When I visited my grandparents, Bob and Alieze Rosene, he was the quiet yet approachable pastor of University Baptist Church. Later when I decided to attend LSU to pursue my education, I was graced to listen to many wonderful sermons that helped support my faith as I sang in the choir. When I decided to marry, I could only think of person. George epitomized what a pastor should and could be. ( I'm afraid he kind of ruined me for other pastors.) He was kind, showed caring during the hardest times such as the death of my grandmother, and rejoiced when we celebrated life's cherished moments. He will be missed and I am a lucky soul that he touched my life.
Erin Thibault
January 13, 2021
Dr. Haile was extremely dear to me. He was my pastor at University Baptist when I was in high school. Then when my husband and I returned to Baton Rouge in 2011, we realized he was attending Broadmoor Baptist where we came to feel right at home and he was part of the reason. He would always check on me to see how I was doing. He knew my grandfather, Dr. Udell Smith who passed away in 2002, and my grandmother Betty and would always check her well-being until her death. Gay and I were in choir together and George would wait for her in the office until after choir was over to walk out together. He adored her and was probably one of the kindest, most compassionate people I’ve ever met. I will truly miss Dr. Haile and my prayers are with Gay, his friends and all of the family.
Brent Ryland
January 13, 2021
I met the Hailes in 1971. Over the years George became a dear friend and mentor in ministry. He and Frank Horton did the wedding ceremony for Sarah and I. He was always available to talk and to pray. In his preaching; his leadership; and his relationships he reflected Christ in ways that made me want to love and to serve Jesus more. What a great legacy and example he has left for all of us!
Shannon Hannaman
January 13, 2021
I adored Rev. Haile! He was always there for our family in the good times and the bad. I honestly believe he was one of my grandmother’s (Dorothy Howell) most cherished friends. He was there for her, me, and my family through my grandmother’s surgery, dementia, and death. He was a man of God! He was humble, kind, unselfish, and joyful! He was a blessing in my life and I will always consider him a role model. I am so grateful for having known him!
Peggy Downs miller
January 13, 2021
Don’t know where to start
Became close friends after my family started UBC
Bub became my fishing buddy, we enjoyed going with Joy and David, they would visit while we fished. Trips to Baylor to visit our boys, stops at Dairy Queen for banana splits.
He baptized my children than later married them.Than on 25th anniversary renewed our vows.
What a friend he was and will be missed.
Rest In Peace my friend❤️❤️❤️
James Wriska
January 13, 2021
My wife and I joined U B C twenty eight years ago. We enjoyed his ministry until his retirement in 1998.
We came to expect and enjoy his annual call on our birthdays . He continued this after his retirement in 1998. I’m sure other members looked forward his call on their birthday too.
Erica Sandoz Cooper
January 13, 2021
Brother Haile was always a loving witness for our Lord Jesus Christ. He married me and my husband John Cooper in 1988. He was my pastor from High School thru College at LSU. He was always a supportive and gentle soul. He always remembered my dads birthday every year with a phone call. He will be missed.
Billie Dumas
January 13, 2021
Bub and Joy Shankles Haile were long time friends of mine from high school days, First Baptist in Jonesboro and at LA Tech Days in Ruston. Bub Haile was a class act and never wavered from his walk with God. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him and who called him a friend. He blessed everyone with his love, his caring and was at his best when he was sharing Jesus. I'll forever remember how he looked on the basketball court and how he dribbled the ball and moved down the court.
Kay Limbach
January 13, 2021
I was so sad to learn of George's passing. My husband, Pat, and I moved to Baton Rouge in 1995. We loved attending University Baptist Church and loved Dr. Haile. He visited me in the hospital after both of my daughters were born and said the sweetest prayer. He was such a kind man. Our prayers are with Gay and all of the family.