John W. Hale, age 90 of Morristown, passed away peacefully on his birthday at Select Specialty Hospital in North Knoxville.

John was a proud veteran of the US Army, having served as a Medic stationed in Hawaii. Upon his return, he joined his family business, Hale Brothers Foodservice Company, where he remained for over four decades. An active member of the local business community, after retiring from Hale Brothers, he went on to run John Hale Paving Company for a few more decades. He was a member of the Board of Directors for the Bank Of Commerce in Morristown, and an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where he served on various committees over the years. John was passionate about American Saddlebred horses, with four generations of his family owning, training, and showing throughout the southeast.

He was preceded in death the love of his life, JoAnn Steadman Hale, to whom he had been married over 60 years; his parents, E.B. & Agnes Henderson Hale; siblings, Mary Ruth Hale Tuttle, Agnes Hale Srate, and Benton “Brother” Hale.

He is survived by his children, Lyn (Michael) Leach, John Hale; grandchildren, Michael Drew (Jordan) Leach, Rebecca Hale Leach, & John Edward (Mariah) Hale; great-grandchildren, Olivia & Bennett Leach; several nieces, nephews, & extended family members, colleagues, and friends.

In accordance with his wishes, John was cremated. The family will hold a graveside service at Jarnagin Cemetery at 11AM, Friday, March 3, 2023 with Minister Mike Cutshaw officiating.

In keeping with John’s love of animals, the family requests that memorial donations be sent in lieu of flowers to the Morristown-Hamblen Humane Society; 5251 East Morris Boulevard – Morristown, TN 37813.

Arrangements entrusted to Mayes Mortuary.