Rick Lee Hall

Rick L. Hall, 71, of Orange Grove, Texas, passed away on Wed., Dec. 15, 2021 – finally finding peace after his long and arduous battle with failing health due to vascular dementia. Rick was born Oct 15, 1950, in Fort Payne, AL., to Irby Hall and Jewell Wallace Hall.

Rick will be missed for his passion for country, family, and friends; the advice and direction he provided to many young people; his sense of humor and the warmth and depth of his love – best experienced at the receiving end of his all-encompassing hugs.

Rick had a servant’s heart. He was dedicated to his family, his country, and the communities that he lived in. Rick served 18 years in the United States Air Force as an intelligence officer – achieving the rank of Major. Upon his retirement, Rick went back to college to eventually obtain a teaching certificate and spent several years coaching and teaching in the central-west area of Texas. In 2003, Major Hall began instructing JROTC at Noxubee County High School in northeastern Mississippi and finished his teaching tenure there at Columbus High School. He then relocated to Alice High School in 2012, where he finished his teaching career in 2017.

Rick was an outdoorsman and a life-long athlete. He played college basketball at Shorter University in Rome, Georgia and ran 16 marathons – including three London, the Boston, and the Dublin marathons. Rick continued to run throughout his life, participating in his last marathon at 58 years old. He enjoyed working outdoors and renovated, or built, three entertainment spaces that he called “Rick’s Pub,” – where he, family, and friends would congregate to celebrate holidays and sporting events. He was a fan of The University of Alabama’s sports program – especially football – and would often don “Roll Tide” memorabilia and make jests at anyone he found out to be an Auburn, War Eagle.

Rick was a gentleman, and enjoyed the company of children and animals. He enjoyed all forms of music. He was a Christian man, and a scholar of history.

He is preceded in death by an infant daughter, Sonya; his parents; and his sister Barbara Hamlin, all of Fort Payne, AL.

Rick is survived by his wife, Jana Harrington Hall; two sons, J. Austin Hall and Benjamin Harrington (Gabriella Sanchez); siblings to include two sisters, Chris Hall Watson (Gerald), and Linda Hall Patterson, and a brother, Ronald Hall (Robin), all of Fort Payne, AL; a special niece, Kathy Eason Johnson (Brian) and many other nieces and nephews, and other extended family he loved dearly. Rick also leaves behind a family of dear friends who have loved and encouraged him and Jana during these tumultuous times.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, at Holmgreen Mortuary with Rev. Vic Andersen officiating. Interment will follow at a later date at Fisher Cemetery in Fort Payne, AL.

The family appreciates the love and support from friends and extended family as Rick’s health deteriorated over the years. Special thanks to the Memory Unit staff of The Premier of Alice for the excellent care and consideration in his final days. Finally, appreciation is extended to Del Cielo Hospice nursing staff, Stacy Carbejal for championing to get Jana help at home, and to Manuela Galindo for making him so very comfortable and happy.   

Arrangements are entrusted to Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 East Main Street, Alice, Texas.

Condolences for the family may be offered at www.holmgreenmortuaryinc.com and shared via Holmgreen Mortuary Facebook.

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