Joseph Hale

Decatur, GA. - Joseph R. Hale, Jr., age 60, of Longboat Key, Florida, passed away on June 21, 2021 from cancer. Joe was born April 23, 1961, to the late Phyllis Hale West and the late Joseph R. Hale, Sr. He grew up in Ridgway, Illinois, where he graduated from Ridgway High School. Joe graduated from the University of Illinois in 1984, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He remained a dedicated fan of the Fighting Illini throughout his life. 

Joe spent his professional career in the banking and regulatory field working for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, and most recently the Farm Credit Administration in McClean, VA, where he was a Supervisory Examiner. 

Joe was married to Valerie Hale, who survives. They have two children Nicole Bettis (Michael) of Carrollton, GA; and Christopher Hale (Monica) of Griffin, GA. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Clementine and Indiana Bettis and his sisters Susan Hale of Metamora, IL, and Sally Hale of Atlanta, GA. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents Pearl and W.L. (Butch) Miner and E.L. and Grace Hale and by step-father Harold F. West and step-mother Marie Hale.  There will be a remembrance service in his hometown in Illinois  on April 23,2021  with a graveside service at 11:00 AM at Jackson Cemetery in Ridgway.  Everyone should meet at the cemetery.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Sunshine, 1850 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033, or online at www.mycampsunshine.com.