Freddie L. "Tank" Hale , 80, of Jacksonville, FL died Sunday evening November 9, 2025 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Wise County, Virginia, the family later moved to Kingsport, Tennessee where he attended the Douglass High School. He joined the United States Navy after graduation from 1963-1984. Freddie served on multiple ships within his time including the USS Brule, USS Sampson (DDG-10), USS Fahrion as a plankowner. Upon retirement, he was employed with the Mayport Postal Operations for 30 years (1985-2015). He retired with a total of 52 years of Department of Defense service.
Freddie received multiple distinguished awards during his time of service: Vietnam Service, Medal with Bronze Star/ Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device/ Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (Grenada), Meritorious Unit Commendation/ Navy Achievement, Medal/ Forth Good conduct Award for period ending November 17,1981.
"Tank" is preceded in death by his mother and father Robert E. Sr., and Rebecca Moore Hale; his sisters, Dolores H. Singleton and Linda (Reverend Donnie Wade), and a brother, Robert E. "Sparky" Hale, Jr.
Freddie Hale was a loving brother, husband,father, grandfather and uncle to his wife, Carolyn Dulaney Hale "Kaye"; daughters Katrina M. (Brian Burnette) Hale-Burnette; Karaliea L. (Brian Funches) Hale-Funches; grandchildren Franklin Williams III and Brian Funches II; Goddaughter Misti Rushing (Michael Rushing); God children Lonna and Garrett Rushing; brothers Carl (Chynet Bond-Hale) Hale "Twig"; William "Tarik Hassan" Hale; along with multiple nieces and nephews.
For those who knew Freddie, enjoyed his good-humored presence. He was quiet and spoke with wise words to his friends and family. An avid football fan and dedicated chef, he will always be remembered. Thank you to all those surrounding his family during this difficult season.
There will be a committal service Tuesday, November 18th at 11:00 AM at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218.
Please wear Tennessee Volunteer or Jacksonville Jaguars swag in Tank’s memory.
After the ceremony, gather with the family members to celebrate Freddie “Tank's” life at 11010 Cisco Gardens Rd N Jacksonville Florida 32219.
Care of the Hale family is entrusted to the
Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home
Invictus by William Ernest Henley
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.
