James Ray Hale, 81, passed away January 14, 2025 at his home in Liberty, Mississippi.

James Ray was born June 8, 1943 in Fulton, MS. to Robert Lee Hale and Ruthie Orear Hale.

He was selected as an All Conference Linebacker his junior year of high school at Liberty Attendance Center. James Ray joined the U.S. Army in 1966, served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged. He was a retired Welder/Supervisor with Diamond Offshore.

James Ray enjoyed hunting, spending time with family, and watching football.

He was a member of Clay Hill Church and loved his church family.

Remaining to cherish James Ray's memory are his two children, Tena Hale Robertson and husband Mike, and Jesse James Hale, both of Liberty, MS.; one brother Wade Hale and wife Pat, and one sister Ann Austin and husband Gary both of Liberty, MS.; four grandchildren Brandi Arnold Longmire and husband Bud of Crosby, MS., Braxton Arnold of Liberty, MS., Haley Russell and husband Brody of Liberty, MS. Matthew Perry and fiancé Tristan of Kentwood, LA.; seven great grandchildren Kodi Arnold, Jake Longmire, Luke Longmire, Wayne Mallard, Raelynn Mallard, Kylin Carter, and Kendalynn Perry; numerous nieces and nephews and longtime family friends.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother; three brothers WC Hale, Gene Hale, and Bob Hale, and three sisters Nelly Rogers, Dorothy Lee Hester, and Johnnie Lamb; his daughter Melissa Hale Arnold and son-in-law Ronald Arnold.

Pallbearers are Matthew Perry, Jake Longmire, Bud Longmire, Brody Russell, Alex Stanford, Shucks Womack, Michael Womack, and Dale Ravencraft.

Honorary Pallbearers are Wayne Mallard, Luke Longmire, and Leo Dibble.

Visitation is Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Brown Funeral Home in Liberty, MS. from 12:30 until 2:00 P.M. Funeral Services are at 2:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home officiated by Rev. Jason Whittington and Terry Hale. Interment will follow in Bethel Cemetery near Liberty.