Thomas Bates Hale Jr., 74, of Pensacola, FL, son of Thomas and Elizabeth Hale, died peacefully at home on Monday, August 20, 2018.

Thomas, also known to family and friends as Tommy, was born in Pensacola, FL on October 13, 1943. In 1960, he and his family moved to Meridian, MS where he studied at Meridian Community College, later transferring to the University of Southern Mississippi. When he was not studying, he was working hard to pay his own way through college. Thomas graduated the University of Southern Mississippi in 1966 with a degree in Business Administration. After moving back to Florida in 1969, he began a career with the Dept. of Children and Families, met his first wife Sharon Thompson and was soon blessed with two children. He devoted 35 years to working hard for the vulnerable and less fortunate in our community. In 1986, he married his second wife Catherine Hale, and shortly after they were blessed with a little girl.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Hale; a brother, Ricky Hale; as well as a sister, Becky Hale.

He leaves behind his children, Paul and Daniel Hale of Lexington, SC, and Natalie Hale of Pensacola, FL; two siblings, Lee Hale of Pensacola, FL, and Bobby Hale (Cindy) of Augusta, GA; as well as two grandchildren, Nikki and Trystan Hale of Pensacola, FL and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service will be held 3:00pm Sunday, August 26, 2018 at Cokesbury United Methodist Church at Summit Blvd, where Thomas and his wife Catherine were member for many years.