John McKee “Jack” Hale

John McKee “Jack” Hale, 89, of Winder, Georgia, passed away at home on November 9, 2024, after a prolonged illness.

Born March 26, 1935, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Merle and Louise Harrison Hale. Jack graduated from the University of Nebraska before serving in the United States Army, where he discovered his love for teaching. After returning to civilian life, Jack became a high school English teacher and debate coach before transitioning into the technology field, working as a software systems instructor for IBM and Unisys.

Following his retirement from the computer field, Jack continued his passion for teaching as part of the recreation staff at Smoke Rise Baptist Church in Stone Mountain, where he ran basketball camps, coached youth teams, and coordinated a basketball league.

Jack was deeply devoted to his wife, Janice, and their large blended family. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, traveling, and playing Jeopardy. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he coached and mentored his sons and grandchildren in basketball and swimming. Imparting lessons in sportsmanship and teamwork. He also enjoyed playing basketball well into his 80s.

A man of great faith, Jack was always active in his church and had a servant’s heart. He served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and choir member at Smoke Rise Baptist Church; after moving to North Georgia he and Janice became active members of First Baptist Gainesville, where he served as a deacon, sang in the church choir and volunteered with the Promising Futures after school program.

Jack was known for his positive attitude and sense of humor. He loved sharing “Jack jokes” and always found joy in life’s little mischiefs, Music, especially barbershop harmony, was a source of joy in his life. A member of the Barbershop Harmony Society for over 60 years, he sang in numerous quartets and choruses and loved entertaining audiences. Singing in the church choir was the highlight of his week, and he continued to be a faithful choir member until his failing health prevented it.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Robert Hale, brother-in-law, Jobie Melton, and daughter-in-law, Corinne Hale. He is survived by his loving wife, Janice; sons, Mark, Brett (Nanybel), and Lane Hale (JoBeth); stepsons, Christopher Dodson (Angie) and Patrick Dodson (Jennifer); grandchildren, Andrew Hale (Sally), Nick Harris (Vada), Alexandria Flaherty (Deken), Marianna Hale, Emmaline Gibbons (Zach), Ryan Hale, Autumn Hale (Casey), Kaelie and Kinsey Dodson, Caroline, and Caitlin Dodson; four great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Shirley Hale and Rebecca Melton, daughter_in_love, Deborah Hale, and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First Baptist Gainesville chapel on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 3:00 pm, with visitation with the family from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the church parlor.

The family expresses their gratitude to the hospice staff at Northeast Georgia Medical Center and the caregivers at Help at Home for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s memory may be made to the music ministry at First Baptist Church, 751 Green Street, Gainesville, Georgia 30501; or to Amani Sasa Ministries in Kampala, Uganda, www.amanisasa.org or P.O. Box 380034, Jacksonville, FL 32205.

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements

 For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com .