Boyce Hale, 85, of Big Spring, died on Tuesday, August 2, 2005, in an Odessa hospice facility. Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, August 6, 2005 at the Peace Chapel at Trinity Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday at the funeral home.
He was born on July 1, 1920, in Thurber, Texas and married Virginia Farmer on August 1, 1952 in Harrison, Arkansas. She preceded him in death on January 6, 2004.
Boyce had worked for T. H. Russell Company in oilfield plant construction for 34 years, retiring in 1985. Since retiring, he worked 20 years for Circle K Ranch and for Big Game Outfitters for about 3 months each year during the hunting season. He had taught hunter's education for 30 years. From 1987 to 1988 he wrote an outdoor column for the Big Spring Herald. At the time of his death he was serving as a constable for Howard County.
Boyce was in the first graduating class of Forsan High School in 1938 and was responsible for starting the Forsan High School Reunions. He was a big supporter of the Forsan High School Library and gave many books through the years.
In 1948 he played on the league championship team in the Western Missouri Baseball League.
He had served in the United States Navy during World War II and was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. He was also a benefactor of the National Rifle Association, a lifetime member of the Texas Rifle Association, a lifetime member of the North American Hunting Club, and a life member of the Southwest Basketball Officials Association.
Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Carolyn and Kenneth Burkhart of Big Spring, and Donna and David Crandall of McKinney; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Bill and Lisa Hale of San Angelo, Bobby and Diane Hale of Moulton, Alabama and Harold Hale of Big Spring; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Patsy and Donnie Chapman of Baytown, and Barbara Blissard of Stanton; one brother and sister-in-law, Charlie and Cindy Hale of Mathis; 10 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. The family suggests memorials to Forsan Scholarship Fund, P.O. Drawer A, Forsan, Texas 79733 or to the Home Hospice House of Odessa, 516 N. Texas, Odessa, Texas 79761.
Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com