James Douglas Hall was born on January 3, 1937, in Swainsboro, Georgia. He was the son of Neely Hall and Francis Mincey Hall. Although born in Swainsboro, he was raised in Sylvania, Georgia, where he developed the values that would define his life.
Following his graduation from high school, Douglas attended Berry College, where he met his soon-to-be wife, Glenda Hardiman. After two years at Berry, he left college to serve on active duty with the National Guard. Douglas and Glenda were married in February 1958. They welcomed their first child, Jim, in December 1958, and their family soon grew with the arrivals of Jeff and Rhonda.
Douglas owned and operated service stations in the Atlanta area before moving his family to Eatonton, Georgia, in 1971 to open a Sears Catalog Store. After selling the store 5 years later, he entered automotive industry with Automatic Radio, an aftermarket automotive electronics company. Douglas ultimately advanced to the position of Regional Sales Manager for ARA, building a successful career in the automotive industry that continued until his retirement.
His career led the family to several places they would call home. In 1977, Douglas and Glenda moved their family to Orlando, Florida. Two years later, they settled in Huntsville and ultimately Madison, Alabama, where they established lasting friendships in their church and community.
Douglas was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Glenda Hardiman Hall, who passed away in 2017.
He is survived by his sister, Jacqueline Stengle; his children, Jim, Jeff, and Rhonda, their spouses, Vicki, Missy and John; grandchildren, Brittany, Laura, Hannah, Jared, Dyrek and Natalie; their families and other extended family.
Douglas will be remembered as an incredibly devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, respected businessman, and faithful friend. He believed in the value of hard work, the importance of keeping one’s word.
Douglas and Glenda shared 59 years of marriage before her passing in 2017. Their lives were defined by love, commitment, and the family they built together. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all whose lives were enriched by his example.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30 at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral will follow in the chapel with Michael and Suzanne Kaschke officiating. Burial will be in Faith Memorial Park.
