S.S. “Soapy” Hale, 73, of Nederland, died Thursday, August, 2, 2012, in Nederland. He was born July 3, 1939, to LaMay Fowler Hale and Austin William Hale, Sr. in Alamosa, Colorado.  Soapy was employed with Dupont for thirty-seven years before his retirement. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, hot rods and NASCAR. Soapy’s love and joy was his family and his grandchildren. 

Survivors include his sons, Robert Donald Hale and his wife, Megan, of Vidor, and Charles D. Hale of Nederland; grandchildren, Austin, Makena, Jared, and Courtney Hale; sister, Lela Gardner of Houston; brother, Austin W. “Bill” Hale and his wife, Evelyn, of Nederland; brother-in-law, Jack Lundy of Groves; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded by his parents; wife, Judy Hale; and sister, Nora Lundy.

A gathering of Mr. Hale’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 7, 2012, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland.  His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 8, 2012, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.