In loving memory of Clifton Hale, Jr., who passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 78 years old on September 5, 2025.

Clifton Hale, Jr., was born on September 3, 1947, to the parents of Clifton Hale, Sr. and Henrietta Stinson in Chicago, Illinois. He was the youngest of five children born to this union. As a young boy, he attended John D. Shoop Elementary School in Chicago, IL. It was also there where he professed a hope in Christ at Morgan Park Assembly Pentecostal Church under the pastorate of Pastor Herbert C. Moore. Clifton relocated to Freeport, IL, in 1988, where he was united in holy matrimony to Valerie (Bruce) Hale, and to this union three children were later adopted. He professed a hope in Christ again, at First Church of God in Freeport under the pastorate of Pastor Clarence R. Hill, Sr. Clifton was gainfully employed at Thermos Company. Newell, and Kelly Springfield for several years. He also dedicated a lot of his time volunteering at Norman C. Sleezer Youth Home, and other organizations providing mentorship to young adults who experienced troubled childhoods. He genuinely enjoyed visiting and spending time with the youth. In his words, "He understood exactly what it was that they've been and were going through."

Throughout his years, Clifton always made sure to reach back regarding where he came from. Whether that would be visiting the annual Roots picnic in Morgan Park where he enjoyed great food, music, and fellowship with childhood friends; visiting his parents, siblings, and other family members; enjoying countless family reunions, cookouts and barbecues, or just time spent for shopping throughout his Roseland neighborhood, which he enjoyed. If you knew him, you knew he kept a "Sharp" (in his words) fit especially when it came to a nice suit. A lifelong Chicago Bulls fan, Clifton loved fishing, cutting hair in his spare time, and most certainly cooking. He also never missed a trip to take a ride with his family or his best friend, "Vic" to visit one of his favorites "Home of the Hoagy", "Best BBQ", and "Jewtown" just to name a few staples of his childhood. To all that truly knew him, he definitely had a great sense of humor and he wouldn't hesitate to give you whatever nickname that came to mind in the moment. He could deliver a funny observation or unexpected joke with a straight face. His humor definitely came from saying less but making every word count. He will surely be missed by all that had the opportunity to really get to know him.

Clifton made his transition from this life on September 5, 2025, peacefully in his home. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clifton Hale, Sr. and Henrietta Stinson-Hale; three brothers, James Hale, Versey Hale, and McKinley "Mac" Hale. He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory, his wife, Valerie Hale; two daughters, Ansonya Hale, and Rachael (Gerry) Williams; one son, James Hale; three grandchildren, Gerry "Trey" Williams, III, Azier "Azi" Smith, Avery Williams. Two sisters, Shirley Hale and Sharon Cunnigan-Wilson, nieces; Wanda Hale, Candice "Pooh" White, Breanna Cunnigan; nephews, Louis Hale, Tierre "T" Hale. A host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, loving relatives within the Hale-Harris family residing in Byhalia, MS; and a very special loyal best friend, Victor "Vic" Berry.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11 AM, with visitation at 10 AM until time of service, at Faith Center; 203 W. Pleasant St. in Freeport, IL 61032.