Terry James Hale

Terry James Hale, a lifelong resident of Southern California, passed away on February 1, 2020, at 5:15am in Valencia, CA. Terry was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Elizabeth Morgan; his father Frank Vincent Hale Sr.; and his brother Frank Vincent Hale Jr.

Terry was born on July 31, 1940 in Long Beach, CA. Terry spent most of his life living in the South Bay and served in the United States Army. Upon discharge, he worked several jobs and started a lifetime career as a renowned swimming pool builder and contractor.

Terry is survived by his wife Gayle Cecelia Hale, and his three daughters: Julie Ann Hale (Scott), Christy Elaine Hale (Bates), Sheri Lynn Hale (Mracek); and his only son Terry James Hale II. Terry is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Rachael, Evan, Collin, Caitlyn, Abigail, Sarah, and Cashton; and his seven great-grandchildren: Kyla, Keira, Kalyssa, Kessa, Addison, Charlie, and Harper. Terry was a devout husband and father. Family was everything to him. He enjoyed family BBQs, gatherings, the holidays, playing pool, the casino, living on the fairway where he could enjoy the ducks and squirrels, his favorite restaurants and his companion Pisa the Cat. To all that knew and loved him, Terry will be greatly missed.

Services in his honor will be held at Pacific Crest Chapel and Cemetery, 2701 182nd Street Redondo Beach, CA 90278 on Friday, February 7, 2020 at 12pm and interment immediately following.

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,

I'm following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard him call

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

to laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way

I found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void

then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.

Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I savored much,

Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me

God wanted me now, He set me free.