Earnest James Hall, Sr

Earnest James Hall, Sr. loved nature and especially adored trees.  In lieu of flowers, the family would invite you to make a donation to the New Jersey Audubon Society. 
 

Obituary

Earnest James Hall, Sr., 85, passed away due to coronavirus complications on August 2, 2020, in San Antonio, TX. He was born in Colquitt, GA on April 26, 1935 to Jack and Mary Josephine (Jones) Hall. Earnest spent many years raising a family in Asbury Park and Tinton Falls, NJ, as well as time spent living in Georgia, Florida, Connecticut, and Texas.

Earnest served in the 3rd Armored Division “Spearhead” in the U.S. Army as a Cook, where he gained both culinary skills and a love for tanks. He worked for various employers throughout his life including Hudgins Sea Food Restaurant in West Palm Beach, FL, Two Guys, Pepperidge Farms, Charles of the Ritz, Marathon Bus Service, Super Service Bus Service, and Murphy Bus Service.

Earnest worked long, hard hours most of his life, but he always found the time to appreciate nature, food, music, reading, and travel. He enjoyed growing his own fruits and vegetables from grapes to corn; and could identify just about any tree spotted in a book or on a trip. He often remarked on the beauty that he saw in the miles and miles of trees on the Garden State Parkway.

He loved to experiment with recipes and perfected ribs, chicken, and other delicious foods. He owned an eclectic album collection and found joy singing and playing guitar in a church group when he lived in Connecticut. He was as comfortable watching Hee Haw, or playing the Five Blind Brothers of Alabama, as he was blasting Led Zeppelin or Rush out of the car windows as he picked up his children from school.

Earnest finished his formal education with the 8th grade as he went to help his father work in farming. However, he was a voracious reader and had quite a collection of books and magazines on science, cookbooks, literature, religion, how-to books, and more.

One of Earnest’s favorite pastimes was going for a drive. He loved sharing discoveries from his travels as a bus driver with his family. He imparted a love for exploring and the joy of getting lost and finding the way back home. What we really remember is Earnest’s character. He was a man who didn’t drink, didn’t smoke, and had a calm demeanor. He rarely raised his voice and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. We remember his impeccable work ethic, his love of learning, sense of humor, his innate wisdom, as well as his encouragement and kindness towards all he met.

Earnest was predeceased by his beloved wife of 43 years, Louise Baker Hall; father, Jack Hall; mother, Mary Josephine (Jones) Gregory; half-brother, Murray Hall; half-sisters, Margie Hall and Thedis Regina Gregory Isom; step-sisters, Irene “Pinkey” Hopkins, Ruby Taylor, Truddie Howard, and Bessie Howard.

He is survived by his son, Earnest James Hall, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Claudette Hall of Union, NJ; daughter, Deborah Diana (Hall) Divis and son-in-law, Anton David Divis of Omaha, NE; two granddaughters, Brielle and Basie Divis; grandson, Miles Divis; sister, Jessie Nell (Hall) Hobbs of Boynton Beach, FL; half-sisters, Susie B. (Hall) Harris of St. Petersburg, FL , and Georgia Hall of Rochester, NY; half-brothers, Johnnie Hall of Bainbridge, GA, William Hall of Bainbridge, GA, and Sylvester Hall of Mainz, Germany; step-brother, Ulysses Howard of Bainbridge, GA; along with a great many nieces, nephews, cousins, and their children.

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