William Burnett Hale

October 31, 1935 - June 19, 2020

William “Billie” Hale, 84, died Friday, June 19, 2020. He was born in Chicago on October 31, 1935 to the union of Floyd Hale, Sr. and Mollie Burnett, who preceded him in death. Mr. Hale was the 4th of seven children. William professed his faith at an early age attending the First Church of Deliverance with his family for many years, being baptized as a spiritualist. He attended Corpus Christi and Edmund Burke Elementary School. After graduating DuSable High School in Chicago, William enlisted in the United States Army. On May 3, 1954, he married Shirley Bridgmon, who preceded him in death. To this union, no children were born. After his tour of duty he returned to Chicago where he held “odd jobs” including driving for a local cab company. William could never stay in one place for long and would often relocate to various parts of the country, especially during the winter months. William was a kind, generous, and loving person but did not make friends easily. However, once you became his friend, you were his friend for life. William lived out his final days as a resident of Lexington Medical Center Extended Care located in South Carolina and departed this life on June 19, 2020. William leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, William was preceded in death by his three older brothers, Roland Hale, Floyd Hale, Jr., and David Hale; sisters, Dorothy Chandler, Helen Hale, and Demetress Brown. A graveside service with military honors for Mr. Hale will be held 1 o’clock, Thursday, June 25th, at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery. The family is mindful of the issues of personal safety during this time of pandemic and invites anyone who cannot attend to watch the service online. This can be viewed by visiting Mr. Hale’s Tribute page on the Shives Funeral Home website. Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.