EDWARD “ED” J. HALE,

80, of Jacksonville, passed away on October 7, 2021.

He was born October 8, 1940, to Tilford and Viola Hale. Ed was a very decorated Airman having served just over 30 years in the United States Air Force. Some of his accommodations include The Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, eight Air Medals, and two Air Force Commendation Medals. He also enjoyed a second retirement from the U.S. Post office as a Postmaster. He was an extremely loving husband, father, and grandfather.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Jean Hale; his son, Gary Thomas “Tommy” Hale; sisters, Joyce McKeehan, and Mary Loveless; brothers, Gene Hale, Jim Hale, and Ronald Hale; and one great-grandchild.

He is survived by his daughter, Sharon “Sherri” Renee Head; his son, Edward “Eddie” J. Hale II; and daughter-in-law, Dawn Katherine Hale; his grandchildren, Jeffery Thomas Hale, Michael Shane Hale, Thomas Ray Hale, James Garrett Dillon, Samantha Marie Head, Katrina Renee Head, Kristen Elise Woodson, Edward J. Hale III, Joshua Raymond Hale, Jacob Shaw Hale, Garrett Mitchell Hale, and Nathan Ryland Hale; and ten great-grandchildren.

Honor Guard service will be Monday, October 25, at 10 a.m, at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Celebration of Life immediately following service at Sherwood Forest, 1111 W. Maryland Ave., in Sherwood. Arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076, 501-982-3400. Online guestbook is available: www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com