Dr. William E. Hale's Obituary
HALE, William E., M.D. 84, of Dunedin, passed away Saturday afternoon at Morton Plant Hospital where he received outstanding and loving care. He was born on August 26, 1926, to Luther and Agnes Hale of Princeton, West Virginia. Dr. Hale had degrees from West Virginia University, the University of Florida Pharmacy School (Phi Kappa Phi) and the Medical College of Virginia (where he served as President of the Student Body). He served as an Army medic in WWII, did his residency at Philadelphia General and moved to Dunedin in 1962 to become the lead internist and President of Staff at Mease Hospital. Dr. Hale truly loved being a physician and providing care to his patients. He had to close his practice in 1974 after two heart attacks. Dr. Hale then started the Florida Geriatric Research Program (the most prolific research program (75 published articles in 14 years) for the ambulatory elderly in the world which provided 5,000 free local health screenings annually) at Mease then later at Morton Plant Hospital. He was also a Fellow of the American Geriatric Society. He focused his energies on community service which included board positions in over 35 local organizations. Dr. Hale founded the UPARC Foundation and with his wife was a founder of the annual UPARC Omelet Party benefit. His board service included Neighborly Senior Services, Hospice, Partners 'N Progress for the Arts, and he was Chairman or President of UPARC, Salvation Army, Florida Blood Services, Southern Region of the American Heart Assn., United Way, Pinellas County Medical Society, Dunedin North Rotary, Senior Citizens Services, Carlouel Yacht Club, Pinellas Suncoast Chamber of Commerce, Dunedin Chamber of Commerce, Suncoast Family YMCA and others. He received numerous recognitions for his service including the Kiwanis Bilgore Award, three Sertoma Service to Mankind Awards, NCCJ Silver Medallion Brotherhood Award, Mr. Clearwater and Mr. Delightful Dunedin.He will be remembered by all for his humor, kindness and genuine caring he showed to everyone he encountered. As importantly, he was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He will be sorely missed, never replaced and always be an inspiration to his family. He is survived by his lovely and devoted wife of 61 years Jeanette who is also well-known for her community leadership, daughter Sara Simmons and husband John of Belleair, granddaughter Liz of New York City, grandson Matt of Tampa, sisters-in-law Sara Otto of Beckley, W. Va., Nancy Brown of Ormond Beach and Mary Cay Hale of Culpeper, Va., niece Liz Buckley of Houston and nephew Dr. Tom Brown of Ormond Beach and families. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in his name to any of the above charities or one of your choice. Visitation will be Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 at the Dr. William E. Hale Senior Activities Center and funeral services and reception will be held Thursday starting at 11 at the Dr. William E. Hale Senior Activities Center in Dunedin (330 Douglas Avenue). Moss Feaster Funeral Homes, Dunedin Chapel. www.mossfeasterdunedin.com
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?