Obituary of Richard W. Hale

Richard Wayne Hale, 71, of Florence, KY passed peacefully enveloped in the love of family at St. Elizabeth Hospice, Edgewood, KY, on December 15, 2024.  Born in Covington, KY on July 17, 1953 he was the son of Howard “Bennie” Hale and Amelia “Amy” Hale.

Rick was a graduate of Boone County High School. He worked for many years as both a night crew and front-end manager for Thriftway and Winn Dixie. He retired as a manager for Walgreens, having maintained the Corryville, OH location. Rick cherished the company of dogs and cats, being outdoors, and watching the birds from his porch. When he was younger, he enjoyed plants, landscaping and gardening. It was this love of nature coupled with his diligent work ethic that led him to pursue a degree from Northern Kentucky University. While still working full-time, he was able to graduate with a Bachelor’s in Biology.

Rick was a dedicated and supportive father.  He never missed a little league game, cross country meet, or swim meet. Even though he couldn’t swim, he would always volunteer to be either a stroke judge or turn judge, which placed him pool side for every race. He was a great country cook who always prepared Thanksgiving dinner. His non-seasonal specialties were cream chipped beef, beans and ham and his epic homemade vegetable soup. Mild-mannered and patient, he was, to quote his daughters “the best girl-dad ever.” Lovingly, he defied gender norms and taught all of his children that a family was about chipping in and helping one another out, no matter the circumstances.

Rick was the beloved husband of Lisa [McGraw] Hale; dear dad to Heather (Carl) Burleson, Kerry Fahnestock, Justin (Brittany) Miley, Alex Miley, Megan (BJ) Gallenstein and Jacob Hale; treasured brother to Francis “Fran” (Rick) Harris; an adored grandpa to Nicholas Burleson, Heather Burrow, Eli Fahnestock, Avery Fahnestock, Jacob Miley, Mackenzie Miley, Zoey Woods, Bella Gallenstein (who knew him as “Boo Boo”) and Bjorn Gallenstein.  He will be equally missed by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other close family members and friends.

Please come to the visitation which will be held for Rick on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Chambers & Grubbs Funeral Home, 8461 Dixie Hwy, Florence, KY, 41042. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy he leaves behind from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM. Directly following this time of visitation there will be a funeral service, also at the funeral home. Following services, Rick will be laid to rest in a columbarium-side ceremony at the convenience of the family in Spring 2025 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.  Memorial donations can be made in Rick’s honor online or at services to the two organizations nearest Rick’s heart: The Sanfilippo Foundation and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

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