Judith Payne Hale

Judith “Judy” Hale, 83, of Concord, NC passed away peacefully and surrounded by her family August 14, 2024. A memorial service is schedule for Saturday, August 24, at 12:00 pm at McEwen Funeral Home at Sharon Memorial Gardens in Charlotte, NC.

Judy was born March 31, 1941 in Dade City, FL to the late Earl and Letha Payne. She is survived by her husband James “Jim” Hale, brothers Doug, Terry and Bobby Payne, daughter Jeanne Hale, son Jim Hale (Pattie), and granddaughters Anna and Ashley Hale.

Judy met her beloved husband Jim at church in Tallahassee, FL, and they married on July 1, 1961. In their 63 years of marriage, Judy and Jim enjoyed a wonderful life together, traveling and exploring new places, cheering on the Florida State Seminoles, and spending precious time with friends and family. They moved many times in their married life, and each time they rose to the challenges of building new relationships and making a home, wherever they might be.

Judy may have been small in stature, but she was big in generosity, love, friendliness, and (when needed!) feistiness. Her Chrisitan faith grounded and guided Judy all of her life, and she shared Christ's love by helping and caring for others in so many ways. She loved the mountains, the beach, and anything Florida, and she was always up for an adventure, especially if it involved traveling- or shopping!

Once the travel bug bit, she and Jim bought into a travel agency and saw the world. She enjoyed traveling with family or friends and sharing stories of their travel. Her biggest adventure, however, was when Jim was asked to moved to Salta, Argentina for Duke Energy. Judy had 2 weeks to decide whether she was going to go, pack up, arrange to have things shipped there, and move. It turned into an adventure that changed her life forever!

Even more than traveling, Judy loved being a "Gommie." Rain or shine, bitter cold or melting heat, she almost never missed a sporting event, ceremony or special occassion involving one of her children or granddaughters. Any day spent with her family was a happy day for Judy.

Judy and her love, support and caring will be missed by all those who knew her, especially her family. Monetary donations in honor of Judy can be made to Trinity Baptist Church in Mooresville, NC.