Wayne Derek Hall

Wayne Derek Hall, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, Marine, and selfless mentor, passed away on October 13, 2026, following a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer. He was 73 years old.

Wayne lived a life defined by humble service, unwavering resilience, and an abiding devotion to his loved ones. From his 24 years of honorable service in the United States Marine Corps to decades spent guiding others through recovery, he touched countless lives through his steadfast leadership, generous heart, and deep belief in human transformation.

A Life of Service

Wayne proudly served 24 years in the United States Marine Corps, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant. His career spanned military security, aircraft maintenance, personnel management, and substance abuse counseling. His security assignments included protecting sensitive military facilities and advanced weapons sites. As an aircraft maintenance supervisor and technician, Wayne, known affectionately as “WD,” helped train personnel during the transition to the first-ever F/A-18 Hornet Squadron, the Black Knights of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314. In addition to deployments throughout the Far East, Wayne helped train and prepare the Marines of this squadron for their missions during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Much of the squadron’s maintenance success during these operations was attributed to Wayne’s guidance and leadership.

Later in his military tenure, Wayne devoted his talents to substance abuse counseling and program management. Serving as a unit Drug and Alcohol Program Manager and eventually as Senior Substance Abuse Counselor and Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge at the Joint Drug and Alcohol Counseling Center (JDACC) at MCAS El Toro, he combined compassionate mentorship with firm leadership to guide service members toward healing and renewed purpose.

In recognition of his work, Wayne received the Navy Commendation Medal for meritorious service and achievement. His citation praised his leadership, innovative approach to counseling, and role in helping establish the center as one of the Marine Corps’ premier Level II treatment facilities.

Wayne's commitment to service continued beyond his military career. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, graduating magna cum laude from Chapman University in May 1995. He continued his work in addiction counseling after leaving the Marine Corps, earning professional certification in the field and maintaining his counseling license until 2025.

A Lasting Impact Through Recovery

For Wayne, recovery was more than a career; it was a lifelong commitment to service, fellowship, and helping others find hope. Blessed with more than 42 years of personal sobriety, he devoted his life to mentoring others along their paths to recovery.

His dedication reached far beyond duty. He served faithfully in key roles within the recovery community, including as an Area Delegate to the General Service Office. Wayne traveled to retreats and conferences, generously sharing his experience, strength, and hope with others. The quiet wisdom and steady encouragement Wayne shared left an enduring legacy in the lives of the many individuals and families he walked alongside.

Family, Community, and the Things He Loved

Wayne married Pj on July 4, 1992. Together, they built a life and raised their family during 34 years of marriage. Upon settling in Texas in 1997, Wayne joyfully centered his life around his family. As a devoted full-time parent to Miriam, Ada, and Mariah, he was a cherished constant in their lives, actively volunteering at their schools. He supported the Boy Scouts, assisted fellow veterans through the Disabled American Veterans organization, engaged in local community efforts, and was a regular blood donor.

Wayne was known for his genuine, straightforward character and warm heart. He held strong convictions, yet listened with empathy and respect to all. His dry wit, quiet humor, and candid honesty brought warmth and comfort to those around him.

An avid outdoorsman, Wayne treasured hunting and fishing, visiting national parks, and spending time in Crested Butte, Colorado. An accomplished marksman and skilled gunsmith, he took quiet pride in his craft. In his youth, he excelled on the baseball diamond as a pitcher and outfielder, coming close to a professional career in the minor leagues. He remained an avid sports fan, especially enjoying the Dallas Stars. He loved smoking meats and making banana pudding, and took particular pride in preparing his father’s green beans with bacon grease, a family favorite.

Family and Loved Ones

Wayne's memory will be forever cherished by his beloved wife, Pj Hall; his children, Wayne, Jennifer, Laura, Kimberly, James, Sarah, Miriam, Ada, and Mariah; his sister, Cherie Bochette; 17 grandchildren; and multiple great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his children, Jason and Ericca; his parents, Harris and Alma; and his brother, Mark.

Honoring Wayne's Life

Military Committal Service and Inurnment

Wayne’s military committal service and inurnment will take place at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Family and friends attending should be lined up in Lane 2 by 9:00 a.m. At 9:15 a.m., a cemetery representative will lead the procession to the assigned pavilion, where the service and military honors by the Marine Honor Guard will take place. Military members are welcome to attend in uniform.

Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery

2000 Mountain Creek Parkway

Dallas, TX 75211

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in November, with details to be announced.

In keeping with Wayne’s wishes, the family plans to celebrate his life with a party worthy of the man himself. As Wayne often said, “Good parties take time to plan.”

The family is working to arrange a livestream of the events for those unable to attend in person. Details will be shared as soon as they are available.

Wayne’s life was marked by service, perseverance, humor, and connection. He served his country with distinction, devoted decades to helping others, gave generously to his family and community, and found joy in the everyday things that made life meaningful. His impact lives on in his children and grandchildren and in the many people he helped along the way. His legacy of service, recovery, and Hope will endure.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Wayne’s memory to consider making a donation to one of the following organizations:

Lustgarten Foundation, supporting pancreatic cancer research

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Ronald McDonald House of Dallas