Gilbert Giles Hale Jr.

Gilbert (Bud) Giles Hale, Jr., 82 of Maryville, TN, and formerly of Houston, TX., passed away on January 25, 2017. The funeral service will be held at New Providence Presbyterian Church at 703 W Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN at 11:00am, Saturday, January 28, 2017 with Rev. J. Steven Musick officiating. There will be a reception following the ceremony at Regal Tower, 407 Greenbelt Dr. Maryville, TN. The burial will be scheduled later at Forest Park Cemetery in Houston, Texas. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Smith Funeral Home. Gilbert was born in Waco, Texas on December 25, 1934. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in Houston, Texas and Baylor University in Waco, Texas and was a lifelong Baylor Bear Fan. He loved sharing memories of attending games at Floyd Casey Stadium and visiting with relatives in the Waco area. Gilbert was married to his best friend, Barbara Hale, on February 21, 1987; they were married 30 years. Gilbert worked in a variety of roles throughout his life including many years as an Insurance Agent, a Manager in the Shipping Industry and in the Automotive Industry. He was also actively involved in Alcoholic Anonymous where he found sobriety 35 years ago and went on to Shepard many others along in their journey to sobriety. His work in AA was both deeply meaningful and extremely rewarding. Gilbert is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; children Laura Dornblaser (husband Dan), Jim Hale (wife Dana and children Anastasia, Galyna, and Christian), Jamie Hale (children Zachary and Jacob Vavricka and Jared Martin), Tom Hale (wife Kelly and children Ty, Molly, Ben, and Graham). He is also survived by stepchildren Marsha Van Manen (husband Jim and children Brian and Kevin), Gary Benoit, Kim Bell (husband Dewey), Nicole Bookman (children Sage and Grace). Gilbert is preceded in death by his Mother and Father, Gilbert Giles Hale Sr. and Ora Dawson Hale, Sister Elizabeth Hale Calderon, Grandson Chad Michael Brotherton, and Step-daughter, Paula Bible. Gilbert had lifelong friends and never met a stranger. He also loved animals (with a real soft spot for dogs, especially Tex and Baylor), sports (especially Baylor Football, the Houston Astros, Dallas Cowboys, and Tennessee Volunteers) and debating politics. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the Blount County Animal Shelter (233 Currie Ave, Maryville, TN 37804) or New Providence Presbyterian Church Maryville, TN. (703 W Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37801.) The family of Gilbert Hale wishes to thank numerous friends, care givers, and organizations that have supported them throughout his treatment for Cancer. You all blessed his life and the family is eternally grateful. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gilbert Giles Hale Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.