Mr. James Rory Hale, age 63, of Johnson City, TN passed away at his home on Saturday, June 17, 2023.
Rory was the son of the late Jim Hale & Jewell Haren Furby and stepfather, Ken Furby. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by grandparents Roy and Lois Hale, and Robert and Vee Haren.
Rory loved to hike and enjoy nature, and he may have been an even bigger George Jones fan than the man himself. He looked back fondly on his days as a Daniel Boone Trailblazer and a Tennessee Tech Golden Eagle where he received an Agricultural Business Degree, and he always carried with him his love for the game of basketball. Most of all, he loved spending time with his son, family, and friends.
Survivors include his son, James Alexander Hale of Fairfax, VA; brother, Shawn Hale; Uncle Eddie Haren (Sheila); and cousins, Dana Dukes Ensor (Bob), Amanda Jane York (Shannon and Oliver) all of Jonesborough and many special cousins and close friends.
The family will receive visitors from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home. No formal service will be held.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Roan Mountain State Park through Tennessee State Parks at https://tnstateparks.com/donate.
I met Rory when he managed a hotel in west Knoxville around 1992. He was a good friend and I always enjoyed talking with him. In the late 90's he and I decided to take up golf, both of us ex-athletes and over 40 years old. I would leave Knoxville each Monday and work and stay in Johnson City, but first on the way up, Rory and I would meet for either 9 or 18 holes of golf at either Graysburg Hills or the Crossings (where he was living with his dad as he was in bad health). Rory explained that most of the Crossings golf course was built on the Hale family farm land - such a lush, beautiful and peaceful setting out in the country. I continued with golf and it became my favorite sport, in fact I've published East TN's only golf publication for 17 years - se-golf.com I often think of how playing golf with Rory started this. I miss his friendship. I play the Crossings about once a month and every time I think about Rory, the beautiful serene land and the red brick house right across from the entrance. RIP Rory Hale.
James was great to work with. He will be missed by so many.
Although I didn't work directly for James I worked with him some but talked with him almost daily. He was one of the first people to talk to me when I first got hired and we continued to talk over the next 2 years mostly about other topics than work. I enjoyed what few mins a day we had. James was a very nice guy who will be missed by myself as well as many others. I will keep his son and family in my prayers. Sorry for your loss.
06/21/2023
Fritz & Lori Thumler
So sorry we weren’t able to be there tonight and tell you in person that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
06/20/2023
Wendell Buchanan
Rory was my friend. We had many happy times together listening to music, talking and laughing. I am going to miss him. Rory was a good man. He was VERY proud of his son. He loved him very much. Rory was a kind, faithful friend.
My deepest sympathies goes out to the family. I never got the pleasure to meet James in person. I did however talk with him weekly and he was such a pleasure to work with. He always had a great attitude and positive outlook. James will be missed.
06/20/2023
Randy A Millhorn
Rory,
You enriched my life greatly. Thanks for being a part of it. I miss you...
Lisa and I are so sorry for your loss. Prayers
06/20/2023
Anthony Kimble
James was one of the nicest men I had the opportunity to work with and I miss working with him. I could always count on him to get the job done but most importantly, he was so easy to talk to and many time we would just laugh. James you will be missed by so many.
Rory, Patty and I were great friends growing up in Fall Branch . We hung out together, rode bikes, had lots of fun. I moved away many years ago and am sorry to hear of Rory's passing. Prayers to his family and friends .
My condolences to all of Rory’s family. Rory was a good friend that I will miss dearly. We shared many good times together. Some of the fondest memories of my life were with Rory. Rest in peace my good friend.
My deepest condolences to Hales family especially his son Alexander. I can only speak of working along side James but he was a great boss, respectful,very knowledgeable & just a nice man. It was a pleasure working with him & learning all he had to teach me. I absolutely cherish his words of wisdom & his teaching moments. His famous quote "work smarter not harder." I say this with a smile he always had an easier way to get things done. I will truly miss his presence & his contagious laugh; may he rest in peace.
Sending prayers to the family for your loss. Rory was an amazing man. So many beautiful memories of him. God bless you.
James was an amazing man, and I am honored to have known him and call him friend. He was always ready to help and give you a kind word. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Soar high my friend and until we met again, I won't forget you.
