Gilley Hale

Gilley Hale died on March 16, 2017, the day after his 89th birthday, in Las Cruces, NM. Gilley was born the youngest of five boys on March 15, 1928 in Loraine, TX. He graduated from Pyron High school in 1945, and attended one year at Texas Tech University. He married Betty Lou Varenkamp on April 28, 1950. Gilley shared his wife's love of music, and listening to Betty Lou sing solos at church brought him great joy. Early in their marriage, Gilley worked as a heavy equipment operator. The birth of their oldest son, Danny Hale, also marked the beginning of Gilley's career at Mountain Bell phone company, where Gilley was an active member and president of the local chapter of the Communication Workers of America union. Later in life, Gilley became a realtor and enjoyed helping people find their perfect home. Gilley and Betty Lou were blessed with three children and shared with them their love of watermelon, green chile, the outdoors, and faith in God. Over the years, his family has grown to include 9 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. His children remember him as a supportive father who could be counted on to encourage them in whatever they pursued. From modern dance and art shows to band performances and ball games, Gilley was always there, taking pictures and cheering them on. Gilley was a talented photographer, and could always be found documenting family gatherings or taking photos of nature and wildlife. Gilley was a congenial man who never met a stranger, and enjoyed making people smile with a joke or friendly word. Always ready with a pocket full of pecans, he'd ask if you'd had your vitamins that day and would crack one open to share with you. Throughout his life, Gilley volunteered, ministered to, and served many. He coached the McArthur Braves little league team where his son played, and led the Boys of Woodcraft, which taught young men about the outdoors and skills such as archery, shooting, and camping. Both Gilley and Betty Lou served as senior high youth leaders for many years at First Presbyterian Church. He loved young people and was passionate about supporting the athletics at Mesilla Valley Christian Schools. Gilley and Betty Lou rarely missed a game, whether their grandchildren were playing or not, and were honored with reserved center court seats in the school gymnasium. He was a dedicated outdoorsman, and spent countless hours camping, hunting, and fishing with his children and grandchildren. Gilley was an avid member of Mesilla Park Community Church, and shared his faith with all who crossed his path. Gilley is survived by his wife, Betty Lou Hale; children, Daniel Hale and wife Mary Sue, Karen Curry and husband John, and Linno Steele and husband Randy. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Alexander and Buna Queen Hale; brothers, Claud, Denfer, Elvin, and Floyd Hale; grandson, Raudy Steele; and great-grandson Zachary Steele. A visitation will be held on Monday, March 27, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Getz Funeral Home. The funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 28, at Mesilla Park Community Church. Pastors Dennis Diaz and Randy Steele will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gilley's life and faith in the Lord. A private graveside ceremony will be held for family members at Hillcrest cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Mesilla Valley Christian School's athletic department. PDF Printable Version First Visitation
Monday, March 27, 2017 5:00pm - 7:00pm,
Mesilla Park Community Church

Address Not Available






Service Information
Tuesday, March 28, 2017 10:00am,
Mesilla Park Community Church

Address Not Available






Interment Location

Hillcrest Memorial Gardens

5140 W. Picacho Ave.
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88007