Hale, Raynard Taylor

Raynard Taylor Hale, of Blacksburg, was born on March 4, 1924 in the rural community of Comer’s Rock (Grayson County) Virginia. He died at his home in Blacksburg, Va. on February 18, 2016, at the age of 91.

He was the son of Arlie Taylor Hale and Lucious Alexander Hale. Also preceding him in death were his sisters Wava Hale Teilmann, Rita Hale Neal, and infant sister Leta May Hale.

Left to cherish his memory and thank God for his life are numerous friends, special friend, Martha Harder, nieces Elrita Annett, Beth (Ken) Atkins, Johanna (Jim) Perry, Evalin (Joe) Trice and nephew Gunnar J.(Therese) Teilmann III. He also had 13 great nieces and nephews, 12 great-great nieces and nephews, and many cousins. In recent years he was cared for at home by Lindsey Ibrahim, Afton Graham, Amber Robertson and Shawna Johnson, who gave him tender loving care and treated him like their own family.

Raynard graduated from Elk Creek High School in 1941. He earned his B.S. in Agriculture and Education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He later studied at the University of Virginia and Duke University, and served in the Armed Forces stateside during World War II.

In the Fall of 1948 Mr.Hale was recruited to teach Agriculture at Blacksburg High School. He became Principal of BHS in 1953. In 1961 he began his time at the central office as the Director of Instruction for Montgomery County Schools, and later Superintendent from 1969 until 1974. He taught school administration part time at VPI and consulted with the Manassas Park, Va. school system, serving as Superintendent there for a few years. From 1983 until his retirement in 1989 Mr. Hale was the Superintendent of Schools for Washington Co. Va.

As evidenced by his resume, Raynard Hale was a lifelong educator, believing that each child has potential and striving, in his many roles, to assure that all children would have the opportunity to become educated, contributing, useful members of society.

Raynard was a devout “Hokie”. He enjoyed attending social and athletic events as he was able. He also dearly loved going back to visit friends and relatives in his original home in the beautiful mountains of Grayson County, where he also served on the School Board and Historical Society.

Raynard’s friends, former students and coworkers are invited to celebrate his life at McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg on Friday, February 26th with visitation from 5 p.m. until the funeral service at 7 p.m.,led by Rev Gary McCoy. On Saturday, Feb. 27th Raynard will be laid to rest in Comer’s Rock Cemetery, Elk Creek, Va at 2:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the organization or cause of your choice.