Clifford Albert Hale, Sr.

Clifford Albert Hale, Sr., 69, passed away at his residence in Plum Branch on June 18, 2023. He was born in 1953 to the late Clifford Otto and Helena Wade Hale.

Mr. Hale was a proud Vietnam War veteran and 1971 graduate of Plantation High School, Plantation, FL. He earned an electrical engineering degree from Brevard College, an EMT associate degree from CFCC, and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of South Florida.

Mr. Hale spent many years working with E-1 Designing in Ocala, FL before he retired after years of service as a paramedic and fire service representative - even serving as president of the International Association of Fire Fighters in Florida. He was passionate about education and believed in its power throughout his career.

Mr. Hale joined many clubs over the years including VFW Post 1966, NRA, Sierra Club, Parrott Head Club, Arborist Society and the National Wildlife Turkey Federation. He had a variety of interests including science, nature and woodworking which he enjoyed sharing with others. After relocating to South Carolina with his wife Marie, he continued working for the Corp of Engineers replacing buoys at Clarks Hill Lake and J. Strom Thurmond Lake.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Grace Faith Hale; three brothers, Rodney, Carl and Terry Hale; and a granddaughter, Samantha Watson.

Mr. Hale is survived by his wife of 20 years, Marie; two sons, Clifford Albert Hale Jr. of Ocala, FL and George Ellery Hale of Plum Branch, SC; three daughters Christina Hale Watson of Citra, FL, Vonna Joel Richardson (Jesse) of Belview, FL, and Haley Marie Mitchell (Chandler) of Ocean Springs MS; three grandchildren, Gabriella Watson, Emily Richardson and Chance Richardson; as well as, a niece, Tanya Mosely.

A visitation will be held on Thursday the 22nd of June from 10AM to 11AM at Plum Branch Baptist Church before the funeral begins in the church sanctuary at 11:30AM officiated by Rev. Jerry Dalton.

In lieu of flower arrangements, the family has requested donations of live trees or shrubs for a memory garden that will be established at Mr. Hale’s home.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com 

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Hale family during this difficult time. Clifford Albert Hale, Sr. will be forever missed and remembered fondly by all who knew him.