JOHNSON CITY - 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.
Condolences may be sent to the Hale family online at www.dillow-taylor.com.
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821
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6 Entries
Wendell Buchanan
December 25, 2024
Rory has been home for a little bit now but I still think about him often. He was a deep thinking, kind soul. We had a lot of funny times together but there was always a underlying side of seriousness, reflection. I know he loved his family, he told me often. Very proud of you ALL, especially his Son. Merry Christmas! Sincerely...
David Rogers
June 21, 2023
I had the pleasure of meeting and working around James only very recently. He was so friendly and had a very peaceful demeanor that would change the energy of a room in a very positive way. I'm truly going to miss him. My deepest condolences to his family.
Cash
June 20, 2023
James was such a kind soul. He was always warm and friendly. He was an amazing manager and was always the most understanding and offered the best advice. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for his son and family.
Terry Coffman
June 20, 2023
My good friend Rory. First my condolences to the family. When we are moving through live´s journey if you lucky you run across people with character , a caring heart, passion for what´s right, and humor. I first meant Rory in the late seventies when we were golden Eagle´s. We had tons of mutual friends so it was like we had known each other for ever and was around each other regularly. When we were force to grow up a ( little ) as life would play out we both ended up moving to East Tennessee and again were in the same circles. We play in a rec basketball league together and had a blast. By the way music was a big part of our friendship and we were George Jones in all the time. We lived in the same area and were able to continue our friendship. I think Rory wanted to get closer to his family and his original roots so he moved farther up in East Tennessee so I haven´t been in his immediate circle for a bit but have kept up though our friendship network. So I can tell you I´m better for knowing him and calling him a friend. Until I see you again I toast you brother Hale.
Sincerely
Terry W Coffman
Megan
June 20, 2023
Mr. James was one of the nicest men I have ever met. I'm glad to have known him as long as I did. I'm so sorry for the family's loss. Y'all will be in my prayers.
Wendell Buchanan
June 20, 2023
So sorry to hear of Rory's passing. He was a dear friend. I was his manager for a short time @ Johnson City Press. We became very close. He was always a good man to be around. We had a lot of good times listening to music, talking and laughing. I made a gospel CD & sent him link & hard copy. He said he loved it because it was country. I am not ashamed to say I loved Rory. He was a kind, faithful friend. He was very proud of his son. He loved him very much. I feel very privileged to know Rory as he allowed me too. God Bless entire family. You will be, have been in my prayers. I will not forget about Rory..., My friend
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Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation ServicesHighway 11E 418 W. College Street, Jonesborough, TN 37659
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Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation ServicesHighway 11E 418 W. College Street, Jonesborough, TN 37659
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