Dr. Ernest Everett Hale, Jr., of Tuscaloosa, Ala., passed away at DCH Regional Medical Center on Friday, April 6, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Everett Hale; Suzanne Hanner Hale, Elizabeth "Betty" Manderson Hale and brother, William Bradley Hale.
He is survived by children, Ernest Everett Hale, III, Ree Hale Almon (Robert), Beth Wilson Cameron, and Clare Richard Wilson, III; his eight grandchildren, Nathan Almon (Katherine), Bradley Almon Bailey (Charlie), Elizabeth Cameron and Allan Cameron, Annemarie Hale and Everett Hale, IV, Lucy Clare Wilson and Frank Wilson. He is also survived by his great-granddaughter and namesake, Anne Everett Bailey; nephew, Sheffield Hale (Elizabeth), niece, Ellen Hale Jones (Ray), companion, Bettye Baumhauer and dear friend and caregiver, John Wedgeworth.
Everett was born in 1932 in Bay Minette, Alabama, and moved to Montgomery at age 12. He graduated from Lanier High School, attended Auburn University and graduated from The University of Alabama Medical School in 1956. Everett Hale served two years in the United States Air Force as a flight surgeon in France. He did his postgraduate training in surgery and urology in Dallas, Texas and Birmingham. He and his family moved to Tuscaloosa in 1963 where he began the practice of urology with Dr. Gordon King. The practice, The Tuscaloosa Urology Center, grew to consist of five physicians.
Everett was active in the medical affairs of Tuscaloosa and West Alabama. He was among the first Tuscaloosa physicians to establish specialty clinics in Demopolis, Carrolton and Fayette. He was one of the organizers of the first kidney dialysis facilities of West Alabama. He was also instrumental in the development of the Tuscaloosa Surgical Center and served on the original board of directors for the Surgical Center.
Everett served as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff for DCH Regional Medical Center. He also served two terms on the Board of Trustees of DCH Regional Medical Center. He served as president of the DCH Foundation Board as well as the West Alabama Health Planning Council and represented this area on the board of directors of the Alabama Quality Assurance Foundation. He was also president of the Alabama Urological Association.
Everett was active in the community. He was one of the original founders of Tuscaloosa Academy and the first Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Academy. He was a member of the President's Cabinet of The University of Alabama and the Advisory Board to the Dean of the University Medical School. He also served on the board of directors for the United Way of West Alabama.
Everett retired from his medical practice after nearly 50 years of service to West Alabama. He enjoyed his retirement and spending time at Paulling Place, the Hale farm in Marengo County, Alabama, where he was affectionately known as "Squire", a true southern gentleman. He enjoyed quail hunting, horses, bird dogs and sharing all of these experiences with his family and many good friends.
He was considered "the soul of the Black Belt" and was known and loved by all. He could often be found on the porch or by the fire enjoying company along with a good cigar and a martini.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church, 900 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401; Faunsdale Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 222, Faunsdale, AL 36738.
A memorial service will be held at The First Presbyterian Church on Monday, April 9, 2018, at 10 a.m. with visitation following at the church.
Arrangements are being handled by Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, a Dignity Memorial Provider.
Condolences may be offered at www.heritagechapeltuscaloosa.com.
Published in Tuscaloosa News on Apr. 8, 2018