A celebration of the life of Hale Houston Arbuckle Jr. took place at the Droop Mountain fire tower on Saturday, July 17.
Dozens of friends and family members came together to remember a man who, through his humble life, made more of an impact on people in our part of the world than he ever could have dreamed.
“The big green truck and the people Hale served through it, going up and down the hills and hollers of northern Greenbrier County and Pocahontas became Hale’s life’s work,” said Frankford Presbyterian Church Pastor Susan Sharp Campbell. “As he delivered food, ran errands, facilitated the payment of bills and sought to help his customers in any way he could, his customers became lifelong friends. They loved him and they knew that he loved them.”
“Hale’s devotion to his Lord and his church was evident in the way he lived his life,” she continued. “Church was an important part of Hale’s life. He was a devoted church member and passionate leader.”
In addition to his food delivery career, Arbuckle served his country in World War II and served those in Greenbrier County as a Sunday School teacher, a little league coach, a member of the board of directors for the Family Refuge Center, a member of the Maxwelton Ruritan Club and as an umpire at community softball events. He was notorious for his love of family and his love of baking.
Those in attendance at his memorial were able to tell their favorite Hale stories and joined together for a potluck.
Arbuckle passed away on October 3, 2020, at age 93. Following his passing, Arbuckle left behind his wife of nearly 72 years, Gerry; a daughter, Celia; grandchildren, Kerri and Elana; and many extended family members. His son, Douglas, passed away on March 18, 2021.
One of Hale’s customers, Diane Hall, has created a Facebook Page “Hale Arbuckle’s Food Truck Store” where community members can come together and remember a life well-lived.
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