Brad’s Story

Brad was born in Dallas, Texas to Jack and Virginia Hale on November 16, 1964. Growing up Brad enjoyed playing baseball. His favorite place to spend time was at the lake with his family. His love of the water began at the age of four when he wanted to waterski with his siblings and cousins. After Brad graduated from DeSoto High School in 1982, he went on to study business management at Stephen F. Austin University where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1986.

Brad met the love of his life, Judy, in 1984 while they were both attending Stephen F. Austin. Brad and Judy married in June of 1986. The couple moved to Austin, Texas, and welcomed daughter Courtney and son Brad Jr.

Brad had an incredibly strong work ethic that began with his first job working as a painter at the age of 14. He was a dedicated employee of The Sherwin-Williams Company for 34 years. Brad was a compassionate leader and mentor to many. He valued his close friendships with his colleagues.

Brad’s family meant everything to him. During Judy’s battle with Leukemia in 1991, Brad’s love and devotion carried the family through the incredibly difficult time. Brad enjoyed watching and playing volleyball, riding roller coasters, and attending concerts with Courtney. Brad loved talking to his son Brad Jr. about cars and sports, playing billiards and video games together, and teaching him how to drive a boat. Brad was a huge animal lover. He enjoyed the companionship of his dogs throughout his life from his childhood dog, Buffy, to the family dogs, Destiny, Delaney, Dexter, and Lexi.

Sitting by the ocean or out on the lake was Brad’s happy place. He enjoyed spending time with his family wakeboarding and wakesurfing and later in life taking his grandkids for jet ski rides. He was a master at the grill. Cooking for others brought him great joy.

Brad was a fun-loving grandfather affectionately known as “Bud”. He always dressed up in costumes for his grandchildren’s birthday parties. He looked forward to “Bud and Bunny Day” where he would spend time swimming, going to the zoo, playing video games, and building Lego sets with Connor and Zoey.

Generous, supportive, and always willing to lend a helping hand, Brad cared greatly about his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will forever be etched in our hearts. How lucky we are to have had something that makes saying goodbye so hard.