Bobby Ray Hales

On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Bobby Ray Hales, 77, of Winston-Salem, NC, went home to Heaven. 

He was born in Wilson, NC, on December 13, 1948, son of the late Ronald Welton and Ophelia Hinnant Hales. 

Bobby lived a life of hard work, starting as a young man working in tobacco and cotton fields. He graduated from Corinth Holders High School in 1967 and at 19, married the love of his life, the late Judy Lawson Hales. Bobby was drafted into the military, serving in Korea where he worked security and trained guard dogs. Later, he returned to the military, and, along with Judy and Chris. served in Germany and California.

Following military service, the family returned to Raleigh, NC, where he worked as a mechanic for Caterpillar, Ready Mix Concrete, and Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. After retirement, he moved to Winston-Salem to be closer to his son. He loved tinkering with tools and, in his words, “piddling” around the house. He became Chris’s right-hand man and was more help than he knew. They also enjoyed coffee breaks and cinnamon crunch bagels.

Chris extends deep gratitude to Bobby’s sister, Kitty Flowers, and her husband, Eskal, for opening their home to Bobby over and over for extended visits. The love and care they provided was immeasurable and he enjoyed his time with them on their farm. Special thanks to Bobby’s niece, Cathy Asbill, and her husband, Brian, for hosting Bobby in their home; he loved fishing on the river.

In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by his loving wife of 32 years, Judy Lawson Hales; and his granddaughter, Corban Grace Hales. He is survived by his son, Chris Hales (Joy); and his grandson, Lucas Hales (Julianna) of Winston-Salem. Bobby is also survived by his siblings, Welton Hales (Judith), Betty “Kitty” Flowers (Eskal), and twin brother, Billy Hales; special cousin, Brenda Jones; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, February 22, at 2:30 pm at Triad Christian Fellowship (2378 Darwick Rd. Winston Salem, NC 27127), led by Chris’s brother-in-law, Jeremy Pattisall. The family will receive friends following the service. 

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is serving the family of Mr. Hales.