Samuel Ward Hale

Samuel Ward Hale was born on April 18, 1942, in Lexington, Virginia. Sam was the fourth of five sons born to the Reverend Henry Ewing Hale, III and Lucy Roberts Hale. 

Sam graduated from Gloucester Point High School in 1960 and entered King College. In 1962 Sam met the love of his life, Margaret Yeargin, who also attended King College. Sam graduated from King College in 1964 and entered Columbia Theological Seminary.

Sam and Margaret were joined in marriage in June of 1966, and enjoyed 58 wonderful years of marriage.

Sam became a Presbyterian minister, and worked, serving the Lord, for 39 years as an

Active minister. He served churches in Huntsville, AL, Elberton, GA, Augusta GA, Lincolnton, NC, and Cullowhee, NC. As a minister, Sam was able to touch many lives. Many people received deep inner healing from past hurts through some of the ministries he participated in, such as PRMI (Community of the Cross), SABA, By the Gate campus ministry, Young Life in Nicaragua and Guatemala, Life Challenge (Long-term rehab. for young ladies struggling with substance abuse.) Sam loved his children’s Sunday School class (Grades 3, 4, 5, and 6).

Sam enjoyed people. He loved his golfing buddies. He loved to minister to people in need, through prayer and physical support. There were many times when Sam would lead work teams in the community building ramps, or whatever was needed, or go outside the community to help out after hurricanes or other disasters. Sam enjoyed traveling to South America to teach the people there about the power of the Holy Spirit.

Sam’s heart was full of love for his family. In 1972, Sam and Margaret adopted their first daughter, Rebecca. In 1980 they adopted their 2nd daughter, Jennifer. In 1982 their son, Samuel was born. Sam enjoyed spending time with his children, teaching them sports, board games, reading the Bible with them and raising them in a loving family environment. 

Sam had a great sense of humor. He loved sharing laughter. Also, Sam was an artist. He liked painting landscapes for friends and family. 

Sam is survived by his loving wife, Margaret, their children, Rebecca Hale Veach, Jennifer Hale Lister (and her husband Scott), Samuel Hale II (and his wife Samantha) also Sam’s grandchildren, Matthew, Niki, Brittany, Owen, and Heidi, as well as nieces and nephews. Sam is also survived by his brother, Ted, and Ted’s wife, Betty, and sisters –in-law Sarah and Marcia. 

A “Celebration of Life” service will be held at the Sylva Presbyterian Church, 46 Presbyterian Drive, on November 2 at 3:00.