Anthony "Tony" Earl Hale

Anthony Earl Hale (Tony), born on May 24th, 1943, surrounded by his loving family, went home to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 16th, 2023. He was the eldest of 9 children, born in Memphis, Tennessee into the farming family of Lyndoll and T.S. Hale. He left his childhood home of Sledge, Mississippi as a teenager and thrived under the watchful and caring eye of his grandmother (Mamaw) Roe Weeks, with whom he shared a special relationship. After completing High School, Tony pressed on in completing his Associates of Business Degree from Northwest Mississippi Junior College (now NWCC), followed by completing his Bachelor of Business Administration and Masters Degrees from the University of Mississippi. As a tribute to his Mamaw, he established a scholarship in her name at NWCC.

Tony became a successful professional as a Partner and CPA for a prestigious accounting firm, including assignments abroad. He achieved the pinnacle of his profession with roles as CFO. He lived an exciting life in his twenties that included skiing in the Swiss Alps, traveling the world and taking in nature. But he was never complete until he met the love of his life, Laurie Sue Stoner.

Tony and Susie married July 27, 1980, and spent the next 43 years dedicated to one another and their family. Susie brought her children (Stephanie and Stephen) into the union. The 4 of them became the nucleus for an ever-loving and growing family unit that included their childrens’ spouses (Wayne and Tracy), the Stoner clan, and 3 grandsons (Jake, Zach, and Grant). Tony was welcomed into the Stoner family as one of their own and became a Stoner at heart himself, underscored by the seemingly never-ending comedic banter between he and Papa Joe. Tony welcomed Wayne and Tracy as his own children, erasing the implied in-law lines and expanding the nucleus to 6. The growth continued with his 3 grandsons, whom he treasured. He taught them how much a grandfather can love, laugh, nurture, protect and stand in awe of the Lord’s gifts.

Giving back was a foundational principle to Tony. He volunteered his time to causes that were meaningful to him, including Junior Achievement, Education and Pet Refuge. He opened his home to exchange students and less fortunate children to have a family holiday experience they would not have had otherwise. Tony and Susie also created a scholarship for single parents at Indiana University South Bend in the names of Joe and Wilma Stoner.

Tony’s humor, generosity, love, and devotion will be missed tremendously. He is survived by his loving wife, Laurie Sue Hale; daughter, Stephanie Pass (Wayne); son, Stephen Hale (Tracy); and 3 cherished grandsons, Jacob Pass, Zachary Hale, and Grant Pass. He also leaves behind many wonderful cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will take place at McGann Hay Granger Chapel (13260 SR 23 at Cherry Rd, Granger, IN 46530) Saturday November 11th from 11-12:30. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pet Refuge, Inc. (South Bend, IN).