Charles Hale Jr., 89, was a lifetime resident of Akron, Ohio.  He made his transition to Heaven on January 17, 2020.  He was born in Akron, Ohio on June 21, 1930, to the late Charles Edgar and Emma Smith-Hale.  Charles attended Akron Public Schools and continued his training in welding and auto body repair at South High School and Hower Vocational School.

He served his country proudly and enlisted in the Army where he served as a Rifleman in the 24^th Infantry 25^th Division.  He was stationed in Manila, Philippines, and Okinawa, Japan. After an honorable discharge, he returned home in the winter of 1947 and met the love of his life Ms. Betty Louise Feaster and from this union, six children were born.  The winter season became their favorite time of the year.

Charles was one of the first black Calendar Operators at Seiberling Rubber Company and retired with over 35 years of dedicated service.  Unable to sit still for long, he continued to work many full-time jobs. He last worked as an auction driver up until his late 80’s.  He loved fine cars and owned many Cadillacs.  He was a collector of trains and enjoyed watching animals on television.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Charles Hale III; brother, Elder F. Robert Hale; aunt, Laura Williams; uncle, Aaron Smith, and C W. Smith.

Charles leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of over 71 years Betty L. Hale; children Charlene Johnson, Roxanne Hale, Sandra Walter-Thomas,  Roderick Hale,  and Toyalisa (Daron) Wright; sister-in-law, Alma Jean Mills; special granddaughter, Tameka Austin; 16 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.