Dr. Clarence Coney Hall

Clarence Coney Hall, age 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 30, 2014, at Green Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Arlington. He was known as “Chuck” to his friends and family. Chuck was born on September 22, 1921, in Burkburnett, TX. Growing up in nearby Electra, TX, Chuck helped his father in the automotive garage and gas station where he learned to work on cars and repair motors. Growing up during the Great Depression, he learned the value of the simple things in life, how to get by on very little, and how hard work can help you rise above difficult situations. He graduated from Electra High School in 1939. He attended Baylor University from 1940-1942, at which time his service was needed for WWII. He entered the Navy and was trained as a radar technician. Near the end of the war he saw kamikaze planes attacking other ships and was on the first ship to harbor in Nagasaki, Japan after the war. In 1946, he returned to his studies and obtained his Bachelors and Masters degrees at Southern Methodist University. He taught Biology at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, and later earned his doctorate in Biology (Entomology) at the University of Kansas. In the early 1960's, he took a position teaching Biology at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he worked until his retirement. Chuck especially enjoyed his students. In particular, he found satisfaction in helping students who were struggling to get through a course or deal with difficult life situations. This was an all-encompassing aspect of Chuck: Helping others. Whether it was his consummate handy man work or a little encouragement, he was always there to lend a hand. He retired from UT Arlington in 1992. At Baylor, Chuck met Mary Lynn Hall and they were soon married. Chuck was devoted to his family and Mary. This was particularly evident when Mary was diagnosed with cancer. The love and compassion he showed while helping her through the various stages of treatment and the terminal phase of her illness was very moving and the definition of dedication. After a long battle Mary succumbed to cancer in 1987. When Chuck regrouped from this loss, he focused on his friends and family who meant so much to him. He was very proud of his wife, sons, and granddaughter. He greatly enjoyed visits to Montana to spend time with his granddaughter, Corey. He loved to hold her hand and walk down a trail to a creek nearby and play by a large tree stump. Also, he was very thankful to those who cared for him in his later years, particularly Jim and Rhonda Blakeman. Chuck is survived by his two sons: Stephen Cain Hall of Weatherford, TX, and Robert Stuart Hall of Florence, MT; two daughters-in-law, Janis Marie Hall and Sarah Spencer Hall; and his granddaughter, Corey Allison Hall. His family would like to offer their profound thanks for the kindness and care that the staff at Brookdale Pecan Park offered Chuck as his health declined. Very special thanks, also, to his devoted friends Jim and Rhonda Blakeman. A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 5, 2015, at 1 p.m. at Wade Funeral Home in Arlington. Instead of flowers, the family encourages you to make a donation in Chuck's name to your favorite charity organization. What could be more fitting to honor a man who spent his life giving to others?