Michael Hales received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Louisiana. He was in the ROTC thru college. In 1971 he joined the Air Force and went through Officer Training school and then to Flight School to become a Helicopter Pilot. During his Air Force tour, he continued his education by receiving his Master of Arts, Management and Human Relations from Webster University, St Louis Missouri. His professional Military Education was as follows: National Security Management Course, Air Command and Staff College and Squadron Officers School. He served his country for 20 years receiving an honorable discharge with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (LT Col) in 1991.
After retirement he moved back to the Hampton Roads area and became an Operational Group Manager in 1992 through 2008 for Anheuser-Busch located in Williamsburg, VA. He was a member of the Military Officer’s Association of America (MOAA) as well as the local Moose Lodge.
He was preceded in death by his father Tip Hales, his mother Mamie Ruth Grisham, and his favorite brother-in-law Larry Borden and step grandson Austin.
He is survived by his loving wife Beth Lynn Hannah of 14 years. They resided in the Virginia Beach area after their marriage. He is survived by his sister Melba Borden; brother Randy Hales; two sons Phillip Hales and Adam Hales; and his stepchildren Tami and Clint. Together they had a blended family of grandchildren Lily, Addy, Kenna, Harper, Amberly, Anthony, Kaley, Kristin, Hunter, and Sean; and great grandchildren Brantley, Avery, Cadence, Lana, Brennon and Rory. He was loved by all, and he was a very special man.
A celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm, on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Smith and Williams Funeral Home, 4889 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. If you have a special memory of Mike and would like to share, it would be appreciated. A reception will follow at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Albert G Horton Jr Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, Virginia, with full military honors on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 11:00 am. Friends may offer their condolences at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com
