William R. Hall

On Friday, March 27, 2020, God dispatched an angel from heaven to 5007 Barrington Drive to guide a servant to heaven's gate. He whispered softly toWilliam R. Hall, "Come and go with me, push aside that old hospital bed, that
old oxygen tank, that old wheel chair, that old walker, and that old cane; you don't need them anymore." He guided his spirit to 3 Heaven Gate Road. There waiting for him were his father, mother, son, sister, and countless number of
other relatives and friends.

Brother William R. Hall was born to the late Will and Pauline Hall on March 15, 1924, in Albany, GA. He was the love of their lives. He attended Norman Elementary and High School. Upon graduating from high school, he attended Fort Valley State University (College) for two years and was then drafted into the United States Army. There he served a two-year tour in Germany. After being discharged from the Army, he returned home and continued his education. He received a BS degree in Health and Physical Education from Albany State University (College).

His career began as a Health and Physical Education teacher. He taught in Locus Grove, GA, and the Dougherty County School System. He was affectionately called "Coach Hall" and was a father figure to hundreds of boys and girls. He
spent countless hours working with boys in baseball, basketball, football and track. His unforgettable motto of motivation for his players was: "We are going to fight some more! We're going to lay down and bleed a while, then get up and fight some more!" Throughout the years former players greeted him with a smile, reciting this motto. He retired after 28 years of service.

Also after his tour of duty in the military, Brother Hall married and became the father of five children: Paula, Betty, Charlene, William (Dicky), and Helen. He later married Clara Hall, wife of 55 years, and to this union one child was born,
Bertrand.

He was a member of many civic and political organizations. He represented Ward 2 as Dougherty County Commissioner for a term of one and a half years. Brother Hall accepted Christ as his personal savior at an early age. He joined
Bethel AME Church at the age of three. At the time of his passing, he was the oldest member of Bethel. He served in many capacities over the years. He sang in Choir #2, served as a Steward, was President of the Lay Organization
and Assistant Church School Superintendent. He was an unrelenting voice for promoting and financially supporting Morris Brown College, and he created a tape ministry where he recorded Sunday sermons and provided copies to the
sick and shut-ins. As Bethel's unofficial photographer for years, he captured a pictorial history that will be invaluable for generations to come. Brother Hall served his church faithfully until his health failed about a year ago.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, William (Dicky) Hall, and a sister, Nancy Gordon.

He leaves standing on the stormy banks of time mourning their loss: a devoted wife, Clara M. Hall; four daughters - Paula Williams (Ruben) of Albany, Betty Holt (Tom) of Riverdale, GA, Charlene Shannon of Columbus, Ohio, and Helen McFarland (Joel) of Albany; a son, Bertrand (Avion) of Tallahassee, FL; 28 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and 26 great, great grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Clarence Murray (Mary) of Fayette, GA; a special caretaker, Katrina Jackson; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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