John Terry Hale, a devoted servant of God, caring husband and father, and cherished community fixture, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026, at the age of 88.

The family will receive guests on Wednesday evening, October 28, 2026 at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgiia from 5:30 PM until 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Schooler Funeral Home, Brentwood Chapel. The graveside will be at 2:00 PM in Dreamland Cemetery in Turkey, Texas.

Known to everyone simply as Terry, he lived a remarkably full life defined by his faith, his devotion to youth, and an unmistakable passion for connecting with people.

Born in Turkey, Texas, on August 11, 1938, Terry graduated from Hereford High School in 1959 (yes, that math is correct) and went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Navy. Stationed in Kodiak, Alaska, he graduated from fire school, bringing his training back home to Hereford, Texas, where he began a dedicated career as the city’s Fire Marshal.

It was during his time in Hereford that he met and married Judy Means. Through the guidance of his father-in-law, Morris Means, Terry’s life changed forever when he was led to the Lord and saved in October 1966—a spiritual foundation that would anchor the rest of his days.

In 1970, answering a powerful calling to the ministry, Terry moved to Loveland, Colorado. There, he helped start an in-home Bible study for local high school students. His warmth and message resonated so deeply that the gatherings swelled, at times hosting up to 200 teenagers. His natural gift for guiding youth caught the attention of ministry leaders, and after two years, he was recruited to the Damascus Christian Center in Amarillo. Terry helped establish the Damascus Christian Ranch, a ministry donated by Oliver Bivins. As director of the ranch, Terry spent years shaping the lives of countless young men, instilling in them both a deep faith and the tools to become productive members of society.

While serving at the ranch, Terry met and fell in love with Radonna Fuller. The two were married on April 15, 1977, in Channing, Texas, and eventually settled in Amarillo. While in Amarillo, Terry transitioned into a new chapter, initially starting a painting career but in his free time he was known for taking clothing, food and Bibles to Presidio/Ojinaga, Mexico.

In 1996 he took a job as a painter with Baptist St. Anthony’s (BSA) Hospital. It didn't take long, however, for BSA leadership to notice a distinct pattern: Terry spent far more time— and did a far better job—talking with the staff and patients than he did painting. Recognizing his true gift, the hospital promoted him to a patient expeditor, or as he called it in layman’s terms, a greeter.

Terry took immense pride in being the welcoming face of BSA. Impeccably dressed in his trademark heavily-starched clothing, with a striking head of white hair, he was impossible to miss and even harder not to love. His joy for the job earned him a nomination for BSA Employee of the Year in the late 1990s. He retired after 12 years of dedicated service, beaming with pride in his later years because no matter where he went in town, someone would recognize and greet him.

At the "ripe age of 39 ½”, Terry experienced one of his greatest joys when he became a first-time father. He and Radonna welcomed three sons: Sam in 1978, Stephen in 1980, and Seth in 1985. He took absolute pleasure in attending—and videotaping—every single sporting event his three boys ever played in. This Hale clan also loved to attend air shows near and far.

In his retirement, Terry couldn't sit still and found his next "profession" as a dedicated transporter for rescue animals, ensuring vulnerable pets made it safely to their new homes, once even transporting a pig.

Terry will be remembered by many for his sharp wit and his love of "agur-vating" people just to see them smile; he had an innate ability to make anyone laugh. Above all else, Terry’s true passion was conversation. He loved to talk…talk…talk…and talk, sometimes to listen and to share. He was rarely, if ever, seen without his trusty little red notebook in his front pocket, from which he would frequently pull timeless bits of wisdom to share with anyone who crossed his path.

Terry was preceded in death by his father, Buck Hale; his mother, Mary Ora Hale (McKee); and his only sibling, Joe Mack Hale.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Radonna Hale; his three sons, Samuel Hale and hiswife Jennifer, Stephen Hale, and Seth Hale; his three grandsons, Tate Hale, Tabor Hale,and Parker Hale, cousins June Winn and Perry Hancock, several nieces and nephews, and a special brother in the Lord, Randy Lider.

Ephesians 6:12 - “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

In lieu of flowers Terry would be honored with donations made to your favorite animal rescue group.

Service Details:

● Viewing: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at Schooler Funeral Home. (4100 S. Georgia, Amarillo, TX)

● Memorial Service: Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 10:00 am at Schooler Funeral Home (4100 S. Georgia, Amarillo, TX).

● Graveside Service: Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Dreamland Cemetery in Turkey, Texas.