Mr. Eli Kirby Hale III, “Chris”, age 71, of Villa Rica, Georgia, passed away Thursday, October 1, 2020. He was born December 7, 1948 in Tampa, Florida to Mr. Eli Hale, Jr. and Mrs. Frances Hale. Chris grew up in Tampa, FL and later moved to Sandy Springs, GA. He was a graduate of Atlanta Public Schools and a Veteran of the United States Air Force.
He was an honest man and always put his family first. They were his number one priority. As a devoted father, he would always be available with a listening ear and a word of advice. Chris also enjoyed playing with grandbabies and sneaking them cookies and candy. A jokester, he loved to make people laugh. He was known to have the gift of gab and an incredible memory. He never met a stranger - always spoke with everyone. No matter where he went, he would always run into someone he knew.
Chris proudly served 25 years with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department. He began his career as a jailor, before eventually being promoted to Sergeant in Patrol and later Lieutenant over Warrants. While he was strong, he chose to use his words in place of physicality. With that, he earned the nickname “The Great Negotiator” among family.
Despite being a hard worker, he also knew when to take it easy. Chris really enjoyed being able to go fishing and didn’t mind if the fish were biting or not. He and his wife loved to travel, and he was always on the lookout for a new fishing hole. He had no preference if he fished fresh or salt water, he just wanted to put his hook in the water.
He most recently served as the Historian and Lake Committee Chairman of the American Legion, Post No. 70 in Villa Rica. Throughout the years, he participated and volunteered in various other positions within the post.
Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, is his sister, Phyllis Murphy, brother-in-law Lester Murphy and his father-in-law, Leon Priest.
He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Gail Priest Hale; his children, Paul Hale of Temple, Candy (Danny) Bowen of Dallas, Windy (Larry) Gamel of Villa Rica, Heather Cantrell of Dallas, and Billy (Crissy) Camp of Villa Rica; his grandchildren, Hannah Hale, Autumn Hale, Ashley (Brandon) Morgan, Colby Bowen, Jessica (Brian) Nichols, Thomas (Ovie) Samples, Dustin Gamel, Joshua Cantrell, Courtney Gilliam, Michael (Brittany)Bowen, AJ NeSmith, and Abigail Camp; his great-grandchildren, Brixton, Adison, Brooklyn, Lanie, Dani, Lex, Jack, Ava, Mylah, Chase, and one on the way, Eli; his brother, Richard (Cynthia) Hale of Roswell; his mother in law Dorthy Priest; his sisters-in-law, Debra Meadows of Villa Rica and Robin (Sonny) Meadows of Carrollton; many nieces and nephews, and numerous friends.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, October 8, 2020 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 9, 2020 at 11:00 am in the Rosehaven Chapel with Pastor Ned Fowler and Pastor Johnny Hightower officiating. Burial will follow at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Douglasville.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a Charity of your choosing.
Please take time to leave condolences with the family or share memories of Chris by visiting www.WhitleyGarner.com.
Services have been entrusted to the care of Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home, 8640 Rose Avenue, Douglasville, Georgia 30134.
