of Little Rock, AR
March 9, 1930 - February 7, 2017
Bernard Hess Booth Hall, Sr. was born in the front bedroom of his Grandmother's house on March 9th, 1930 in Drew, Mississippi. He was delivered by his Grandfather, Dr. Hess Booth, whose name he was given. He professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ at a young age and was baptized in the Methodist Church in April of 1937.
Hess graduated from Drew High School in 1948, attended Millsaps College, Mississippi State University and Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He met the love of his life, Alice Lang Fisher, on June 28th, 1953 and they married on December 28th of that same year. They were happily married for 63 years.
Hess was in the U.S. Navy and served on the aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge, a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, a 32nd Degree Mason, a Shriner, a recipient of the DeMolay Legion of Honor and a friend of Bill W.'s for over forty years.
Hess is preceded in death by his parents Waverly and Mary Tate Hall, his brother George Waverly Briggs Hall, Jr. and sister Clarissa Briggs Schindler. He is survived by his wife Alice Lang, whom he called ''Babe'', children Wes Hall (Sue Ann), Cathy Hall Hughes, Hess ''Doc'' Hall, Jr. (Karen); six grandchildren, Barry Hall, Brad Hall, Corey Bacon, Drew Bacon Benham, Jacob Hall and Mariela Hall, and four great-grandchildren.
His own words: ''I have lived a life filled with love, kindness, happiness and thoughtfulness. I thank my Creator every day for the blessings He has given me, and I lived as a happy, happy, happy old man.''
A celebration of Hess's life will be held at 2pm on Friday February 10, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2223 Durwood Road in Little Rock with a reception to follow in the atrium of the church. Graveside service will be at Crittenden Memorial Park in Marion, Arkansas on Saturday February 12 at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials go to St. Paul United Methodist Church or to the Arkansas Central Office of Alcoholics Anonymous, 7509 Cantrell Road, #106, Little Rock, AR 72207.
I sure miss you Big Daddy. I am very happy that you entered my life and that I was able to get to know you. You have a beautiful family that is a reflection from you.
So sorry to hear about Hess Hall. My mother spoke very fondly of Hess and his wife Alice. Prayers for the family.
Alice Lang and Family - sorry for your loss. Your friends from First United Methodist Church, Heber Springs
We are so sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
The staff at Richards Honda Yamaha
Hess was a man of great integrity, spirituality and kindness. We sat many times discussing various topics and played an important role in the way we live our lives today. Enjoyed a good laugh and sharing tales of his life. He will be sorely missed not only by his family but by all who came in contact with him. May God Bless his soul and his family.
Hess and Alice Lang were there for us when we first came to central Arkansas. Their warmth and kindness will be missed. Hess had an incredible since of humor. He will be missed at Central office. Love and prayers, The Cavanaugh's
Hess as we knew him , was such a fun to know person. He was strong in his character, but had such a good sense of humor.
When he sang, he sure had gusto. Loved seeing Alice Lang and Hess together. That's how we saw them most of the time. We will always remember his strong faith and care for others.
Hess and Alice Lang are two of the people I have admired most in my life. They each taught me so much and supported me through very difficult times. I will always treasure my memories of Hess and am sending my love and deepest sympathy to Alice Lang and their family. See you in heaven, dear friend!
Wes and family, sorry to hear about your dad, in our thoughts and prayers. Eddie and Debbie