1942-2025
Joe Franklin Hale, age 83, of Pine Bluff, died Wednesday, December 24, 2025 in Hot Springs.
Born December 16, 1942 in Fordyce, he was a son of the late John Joseph Jackson Hale and Bobbie Nell Bryant Hale.
Joe graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1960 and joined the Steiner Rodeo Company, pursuing his dream as a rodeo cowboy. He served in the United States Army in Germany.
For 35 years, he worked as a Brakeman/Conductor for the Cotton Belt Railroad. He enjoyed his grandchildren, fishing, and tending to his horses.
He was predeceased by a son, Matthew Hale; a grandson, Matthew Dalton Quickel; a brother, Jackie Lee Hale; and a daughter-in-law, Lisa Hale.
Survivors include his children, Gary Hale, Steven Hale (Katrina), and Suzanne Kenward (Jack); his grandchildren, Zach Hale (Teri), Bennett Hale (Ashley), Dylan Quickel (Courtney), and Amber Martin; three great-grandchildren; and his sister, Margaret Cato (Gene).
A graveside service will be held Monday, December 29, 2025, 2:00 p.m. at Black Cemetery in Cleveland County by Fuller Hale-South Funeral Services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital.
