Gary Dean “Freddy” Hale, 63, passed away April 29, 2026, at his residence. He was born in Red Bay, AL, to Fred and Kathleen Epps Hale. He was a Christian man who loved the Lord and had a passion for traveling, fishing, and hunting. He worked for Burton Builders as a carpenter for 42 years.
Funeral services will be Saturday, May 2, at 1:00 P.M. at Deaton Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. David Kelley, Patrick Brooks, and Bro. Roger Wood officiating. Visitation will be Friday, May 1, from 5:00–8:00 P.M. at Deaton Funeral Home. Burial will be in Sandy Springs Cemetery. There will be no graveside service, but friends and coworkers would like to honor him by shovel-filling his grave. Deaton Funeral Home, Belmont, MS, will be in charge of arrangements.
He is survived by his wife, Traci Hale; four children, Cory Hale, Amber Hale, Taylor Payne and Madison Payne; special four-legged children, Luna and Blue; three sisters, Linda Johnson (Johnny), Sandra Wiggins and Debra Williams; one brother, Bobby Hale (Janice); and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a special four-legged child, Pebbles.
Pallbearers will be Tim Burton, Tyler Burton, Gerald Henley, Danny Comer, Gary Britnell and Darrell Mitchell.
Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Nathaniel Sparks, J. E. Sartain and Michael Ford.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Jain, Dr. Lindsey Hinton, North Mississippi Cancer Center, Dr. Stewart, Dr. Nathaniel Sparks and the staff at Belmont Family Medical Clinic, Dr. Steve Senter, Hannah Bolton, Roger Wood, Carissa Williams and the staff at Gentiva.
