Terry Michael Hale, 71, of Maryville, IL, passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Dolan Memory Care in St. Louis, MO with his wife by his side.
Terry was born May 5, 1953, in Bluefield, WV to M.B. “Buddy” and Virginia (nee Tots) Hale. He was educated in Bluefield schools and graduated from Bluefield State University with a double major of Chemistry and Math.
After graduation, Terry began his lifelong career in the coal industry, beginning with U.S. Steel Corporation. In 1985, he and his family relocated to Richmond, VA, where he became VP of Export Sales to A.T. Massey Coal Company. In 2007, he and his wife moved to Maryville, where he worked as Sr. VP of Export Sales for both Peabody Energy and Patriot Coal in St. Louis and Creve Coeur. During his career, he traveled around the world countless times.
Terry took early retirement in 2014 but remained active in the industry by doing consulting work and speaking at conferences. He also volunteered at Anderson Hospital, PetCo and the Maryville Food Pantry. He was an active member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Maryville, where he sang in the choir, served as an usher and greeter, and was Chairman of the Trustee Committee.
He enjoyed golf, bowling, being outdoors and most of all spending time with his family. He liked being with people and was always willing to help anyone who needed it. He was loved and respected by everyone who knew him.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Phyllis (nee Hale) Kipfinger, and a brother, William Hale.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Ann (nee Goodson) Hale; their daughter, Kelly (nee Hale) Taylor; brother, Ralph and his wife, Jane; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and will be received at Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.
A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.
