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BORN
1944
DIED
2021
Richard Hale Obituary
February 26, 1944 - January 15, 2021
Richard "Rick" Oliver Hale, Jr. passed away on January 15, 2021 at the age of 76 surrounded by his family in his home in Orlando, Florida after a well-fought battle with Parkinson's disease. Rick grew up in the Glenwood neighborhood of Greensboro, North Carolina where he mastered his gift of gab and asking for forgiveness rather than permission.
Rick met the love of his life, Linda Lenzi Hale, while impersonating Conway Twitty on a fishing trip in the Florida Keys. Rick and Linda settled in Marathon, Florida, and raised two sons, Richard Oliver Hale IV, and Bradford Lenzi Hale. Rick changed the lives of many students during his thirty years of teaching and coaching at Marathon High School, including fostering a number of students through the years who were facing particularly challenging times. He tallied 371 coaching wins and was quick to remind others that the local newspaper designated him as a Legend. He was a devoted Christian serving many roles at the local Methodist Church and spent his time playing golf, boating, and traveling the country in the summers with his family. Rick never met a stranger and had an unmatched ability to connect with people and lead them to a good time.
Rick and Linda retired in Orlando, Florida in 2006 to share in the daily lives of their children: Richard Oliver Hale IV (Maria), Bradford Lenzi Hale (Amy); and four grandchildren: Melaina Elizabeth Hale, Carrington Lenzi Hale, Wilson Bradford Hale, and Mary Jude Reynolds Hale. Known to them as Papa, he brought smiles, laughter, life lessons, a love of Christ, and junk food to his grandchildren by a means which can only be accomplished by a devoted grandfather.
Rick will be honored in a celebration of life at Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida on January 22, 2021 at 11 am ET. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Hale Youth and Children's Endowment, established with love and admiration for Rick and Linda's service to education, providing financial support to the youth and children's ministries of Hyde Park United Methodist Church (https://ppay.co/obR2Dt_T094), or to a charity of your choice.
Loomis Family Cremation
Suite 5, 600 North Highway 27, Minneola, FL 34715
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Hale
Mollie
April 5, 2021
This makes me sad. Even after all these years. Ricky was the best dancer EVER at ECU. My condolences to his family.
Judy Nicewonger
January 25, 2021
Linda, our deepest sympathy. I knew you better than Rick, but hearing what he went through for the past years brought tears to my eyes and broke my heart. God has a special place in Heaven for him. May you find peace knowing where he is. May you find comfort in the love of your children and grandchildren. Hugs to you, Judy and Ralph
Jo Barsh
January 22, 2021
My prayers are with you all. May God hold you close during this time. I am so thankful for his knowledge of the Bible and my so many questions. I will truly miss him.
Susan Wrenn Duncan
January 22, 2021
So Sorry for your loss. our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Larry Phillips
January 21, 2021
Rick, Heaven is "Sweeter" now that you have arrived!
Thanks for the ECU and "LIFE" memories! YOU set the example for how "ALL" should live...Well Done, my Brother! Prayers are with the family and will continue.
Steve Thompson
January 21, 2021
My cousin Ricky: faithful husband, dedicated dad and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. If he were here, Rick would want us to know that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). My sincere condolences to the family, especially to Linda and Roni.
Chris Myers
January 19, 2021
My condolences to the Hale family. He was a great teacher when I was in Middle and High School.
Bones
January 19, 2021
Good friend since age 12
Great friend since age 15
Fraternity Brother
Roommate
Great husband and father
Will miss you brother
I know you are going to a wonderful place. I hope I can someday join you someday
Love you
Paula Perrine
January 19, 2021
Many fond memories of The Hales ,, always a smile and kind word,, Looked forward to seeing Mr., (and the mrs.,) always left me with "Good Thoughts"
Nancy Swanson Goins
January 19, 2021
Deepest condolences to dear Linda and family. May God´s love surround you in your hour of need.
Roni Hale Hughey
January 18, 2021
What a wonderful brother I had. We shared an unconditional love for each other. I will miss you and keep you in my heart until we meet again.
Jamie McGee
January 18, 2021
Love you cousin Rick! You will be greatly missed by your Greensboro family!
Jason & Missy Frank
January 18, 2021
Our love and prayers are being sent to you and your family during this sad time. Rick was a wonderful teacher and coach. We were blessed to have him in our lives.
Marie Kimel
January 18, 2021
Thoughts and prayers with each of you. I ` m remembering so many wonderful times from childhood to adulthood. Will miss him. Love you all.
Nancy Phillips
January 18, 2021
Rick was so much fun to be around as well as loving and caring. I have unforgettable memories of time spent with Rick and Linda.
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