Greg Hale

Greg Hale, age 60, of Bradford, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2023, after a long, hard battle with kidney cancer.  Greg was born on June 8, 1962. 

Greg is survived by his wife of almost 27 years: Cindy, who traveled on the cancer journey with him every minute; his 5 children, who cherish his memory and will forever hold him in their hearts: Curt Hale, Taylor Idle, Ashley Hale, Kristina Shope and David McDaniel; his 10 grandchildren, who he loved with all his heart: Elijah Gibbs, Bridgette McDaniel, DJ Gibbs, Maddyson Shope, Kennedy Hale, Emmalyn Shope, Olivia Valentik, Jackson Shope, Katie Idle and Kiser Idle; his Mom and step-father: Betty (Andrews) and Ken Boger; his brother: Joe (Jennifer) Hale; his sisters: Brenda (Kevin) Krebbs and Lori Moore; his sister-in-law: Judi (Doug) Lamka; nieces and nephews; and so many loved friends and former students.  Greg was preceded in death by his father: Herbert Thomas Hale; and his very special Aunt: Michealee Whybree.

Greg graduated from West Carrolton High School in 1980 and Bluffton College in 1985.  He started his teaching career at Upper Sandusky High School and taught there from 1985-1988, when he moved to Bradford and started teaching at Bradford Schools.  He stayed there for 27 years from 1988-2015, when he retired after 30 years of teaching.  Greg spent over 35 years doing what he loved most, impacting young lives by teaching and coaching football and powerlifting.  Many of those years while battling cancer!  Greg started the powerlifting program at Bradford with 5 lifters and the program grew and became a great success over the next 35 years.  Recently, the school’s weight room was dedicated in his honor and renamed “Hale’s Gym”.  During Greg’s coaching career he received many awards.  Some of them are 1997 Assistant Coach of the Year – Miami Valley Football Coach’s Association, 2013 induction into the Bradford Athletic Hall of Fame, 2016 Ohio High School Football Association 20 Year Award and 2018 induction into the Miami Valley Football Coach’s Hall of Fame.

Greg’s family would like to give special thanks to the staff of the James Cancer Center at OSU and specifically Dr. Amir Mortazavi who made it his mission for Greg to live to see more grandchildren born and to continue doing what he loved most, spending time with family and coaching kids.  Also a special thank you to two nurses who held a special place in his heart: Nurse Ashley and Nurse Jenny.  Also, a big thank you to Rhonda and all the other wonderful, loving angels who took such loving care of Greg in his last 3 weeks of life. 

Greg did not lose his battle to cancer, he kicked cancer’s ass for almost 11 years.  After fighting so hard for so long, Greg was tired and just needed to rest.

A service to celebrate Greg’s life will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Bradford High School in Bradford with Pastor Desi Layman and Curtis Enis officiating.  Family will receive friends from 4:00-8:00 PM on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Bradford High School. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Greg Hale Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Bradford Schools or Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County or James Cancer Center at OSU.  Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.stockerfraley.com.

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