James Michael "Mike" Hale passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home in Darlington on July 18, 2025. He was 64 years old.

Mike was born on June 28, 1961 in Raleigh, NC to Meltha R. Hale Adams and the late James Woodrow Hale.

Mike proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Northwest High School. He was a dedicated member of the Darlington Volunteer Fire Department where he also served as Chief before retiring. After serving in the Marine Corp, Mike worked as a Correctional Officer before leaving that field to pursue his lifelong dream of farming until his death. He loved helping people and being a service to his beloved "Buzzardtown" community. He will dearly be missed by many people who love him.

Mike was preceded in death by his fathers James Woodrow Hale and Meredith B.

Adams, brother David Adams, sister-in-law Deborah H. Hale, Maternal grandparents Simon C. Roberson and Catherine W. Roberson, Paternal grandparents Andrew W. Hale, Bessie Hale Reece, and W.T. Reece.

Left to cherish his memory is his mother Meltha R. Hale Adams of Darlington, his sons Michael "Brandon" Hale of Darlington and Wesley S. Brown (Ashley) of Weldon, his sister Ramona H. Solomon (Doug) of Darlington, his brother Ronald G. Hale (Tammy) of Darlington, his grandchildren Alayna, Thomas and Myles Brown of Weldon, special friend Joni Hale (yes, ex-wife) of Roanoke Rapids, many nieces, nephews and cousins and his beloved German Shepherd Lady who was always by his side, as well as Socks and Dakota.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 11am at The Trinity PH Church, 4235 Aurelian Springs RD, Halifax NC.

Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Enfield.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 5pm until 8pm at Askew Funeral & Cremation Services 731  Roanoke Ave. Roanoke Rapids, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Darlington Volunteer Fire Department in Mike's memory, to 2611 Hedgepeth Road, Halifax, NC 27839