Donald T. Hale (Don), 82, of Harrisburg, NC, went to his heavenly home on October 14, 2026. He was born on July 30, 1944, in Tarboro, NC, to the late T. Hance Hale and Betty Moore Hale Tolston. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Donna Marie Beach Hale, and his brothers, Billie and Steve.

He is survived by his sons, Donald T. Hale II (Sylvia) of Mooresville, NC, and John F. Hale (Margaret) of Harrisburg, NC, and his daughter, Nancy Hale Beasley (Tony) of Dunn, NC. He is also survived by his granddaughters, Ashton Hale Burdick of Salisbury, NC, and Caroline Hale of Harrisburg, NC.

Don was fiercely protective of his children and loved to brag about them and their accomplishments. He especially enjoyed watching Don and John play their various sports, and he was a “girl dad” long before that phrase became popular. As the years passed, his two granddaughters became the lights of his life.

Throughout his life, Don (or Donnie, as he was known to his closest family and friends) was devoted to serving others. As a boy, he became an Eagle Scout and later served as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 49 in Tarboro. He served as an Air Force medic, advancing to the rank of staff sergeant with the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing, and later served in the North Carolina Army National Guard. Throughout his career, he provided outstanding service to retail and sales customers across the Southeast, earning numerous awards for his work.

Don served as Tyler of Tarboro's Masonic Lodge No. 58. He loved Tarboro passionately and played an instrumental role in revitalizing and promoting the Edgecombe County Veterans’ Military Museum. He also served on the vestry of St. Michael's Episcopal Church.

Don was a creative problem-solver, a straight shooter, and a man who spoke his mind. Everyone who knew him was familiar with his wonderful sense of humor. He loved gardening and fishing and was an avid reader, particularly of history, current events, and science fiction.

Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Don's life on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Carlisle Funeral Home in Tarboro. His funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Carlisle Funeral Home, followed by burial at Greenwood Cemetery in Tarboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of the following: Edgecombe County Veterans' Military Museum, Masonic Lodge No. 58, or St. Michael's Episcopal Church. Don will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.