Donald Richard Hale, Sr. was born August 11, 1944 in Meridian, to his parents, Willie Eugene and Sadie Nelson Hale. He passed away May 20, 2022.

A celebration of life service will begin at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, May 24, 2022 from the Chunky United Methodist Church. Rev. Lewis May will officiate.

Mr. Hale lived life to the fullest, a thrill seeker. He was a hard worker, working from the position of diesel technician to eventually becoming a business owner of Hale Diesel and Refrigeration. Life in the fast lane, Mr. Hale will be remembered for his enthusiasm for life, and passion for dirt track racing at Whynot and also as a pilot.  He had a host of friends and will be missed by his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandchild: Houston Hatcher; one great-grandchild: Dillon Carpenter.

Survivors include his wife of almost 40 years, Mrs. Esther "Pete" Hale; seven children: Paula Bodden, Donna Seaman, Ricky Hale, Candice Creech, Virginia Hale, Ally Hale, and Hailey Hernandez; ten grandchildren; one great-grandchild and one on the way; three siblings: Wendy, Christopher and Gean; numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Chunky United Methodist Church at 2344 Church St. Chunky, MS 39323, in his name.