He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Bales and Grace Marie (Francis) Bales, his brother Raymond Bales, and his beloved wife of 64 years Monteen (Williams) Bales.
Harold was born at home in Sandy Springs, Georgia on September 20, 1927 and lived a productive and fulfilled life. He is survived by two sons - Russell Bales of Suwanee, Georgia and Randall (Sandy) Bales of Clermont, Georgia. His extended family includes two nieces - Terri Bales Little (Mike) of Panama City Beach, Florida and Donna Bales Van Dyke (Bruce) of Cumming, Georgia - two sisters-in-law Lois Williams of Dawsonville, Georgia and Louise Chapin (Lloyd) of St. Petersburg, Florida - and a special caregiver Donna Even, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Harold and Monteen married November 5, 1950. He was soon drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Korea from 1951 until 1952. He declined an opportunity to continue his military service in order to return to his new home and wife. Prior to his military service he took great pride in working for the Bell Bomber plant, developing the B29 Super Fortress aircraft. After completing his military service he enjoyed an extensive career as a licensed electrician working for Bales and Womack Electrical Contractors and Womack Electric Company until his retirement in 1986. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 613). Upon retiring he moved with Monteen to Lake Lanier in Dawsonville and enjoyed boating, owning many boats during his lifetime. While he spent many hours on Lake Lanier, he never learned to swim.
Visitation will be held Sunday, June 17, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Sandy Springs Chapel. Funeral services will be held at Sandy Springs Chapel Monday, June 18, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. followed by burial at the Sandy Springs Historic Cemetery. A reception at Sandy Springs Chapel will follow burial. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Shriner's Hospitals for Children, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, or your favorite charity.