March 1, 2021
Harold “Groundhog” Hale age 80 of Smithville, passed away Sunday afternoon February 28, 2021 at NHC Healthcare of McMinnville. He was born November 21, 1940 to his parents the late Howard and Samantha Jones Hale. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Carl Hale; brother-in-law, Joe I. Taylor. Mr. Hale was a member of First Communion Church in Sparta and worked at Federal Mogul and at the DeKalb County Convenience Site on McMinnville Hwy. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Hale of Smithville; children, Craig (Patricia) Hale of Smithville, Crystal Hale of Smithville, Tammy (Max) Slatton of McMinnville, Teddy (Brenda) Roberts of Crossville; grandchildren, Christen (Charles) Cox, Nicholas Hale, Elizabeth Chalfant, Tera (Scott) Elkins, Ty Slatton, Tasha Roberts, Jason Roberts, Dustin Roberts, and Dakota Eaton.; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Helen Taylor (Jim) Cook of Smithville; brother, Jimmy (Jacque) Hale of Smithville; several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Funeral services will be 1 PM Wednesday March 3, 2021 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale officiating and burial in Whorton Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday 4 PM until 7 PM and on Wednesday 10 AM until the time of the service at 1 PM. Due to COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines, we ask for the health and safety of everyone that you please exercise social distancing. The funeral home chapel is marked off to respect these guidelines and allow 100-125 for the service. The funeral home lounge is closed at this time and NO food or drinks are allowed in the funeral home. In addition to flowers the family asked donations may be made to Whorton Springs Cemetery Fund. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.