DeKalb County said goodbye to its long-time EMS Director and Smithville Firefighter last week with a grand funeral procession that included family, friends, and emergency workers and law enforcement from across the state. The mile-long parade of fire trucks, ambulances, rescue vehicles, and squad cars also featured flybys by Air Evac and Lifeflight helicopters to salute the life of Hoyte Hale.
The funeral service took place at First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center, where Hale’s flag-draped casket was loaded onto one of Smithville’s fire trucks for his last ride to his final resting place at DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Hale served as DeKalb EMS Director as well as Deputy Chief with the Smithville Fire Department, a service he had served for 40 years.
Local residents lined the streets in Smithville to pay tribute to the public servant as the procession made its way through town.
At the graveside services, full firefighter honors were held, including the reading of the firefighter’s prayer, the playing of Amazing Grace on the bagpipes, and the ringing of the bell. In addition, the “Last Call” was performed over the emergency radio. The “Final Call” was issued from E-911 Director Brad Mullinax at DeKalb Central Dispatch, calling for Hale’s radio numbers 600 (EMS) and 206 (Smithville Fire).
“DeKalb Central Dispatch to 600 or 206. DeKalb Central Dispatch to 600 or 206. DeKalb Central Dispatch to 600 or 206 … Negative contact with 600 or 206.”
“Deputy Chief and Director Hoyte Eugene Hale has served the DeKalb County Community in many different roles over the last 40 years, dedicating his life to public safety. He was a dedicated member of the Smithville Fire Department and made a career serving our community at DeKalb EMS, as a paramedic and ultimately the county’s EMS director. We respect your achievements as well as your sincere friendship and brotherhood. You have fought the good fight and done so with a smile, friendship, and support for the people around you.”
“We will miss you, but we know you will be watching over your fellow brothers and sisters in their continued work. Hoyte Eugene Hale may you rest in peace knowing your strength lives on through your family and the rest of the public safety community.”
“DeKalb EMS 600, and Smithville Fire 206, you are now clear of duty, we sincerely thank you for your service and dedication. Rest in peace brother, we will take it from here.”
“DeKalb Central Dispatch clear this 2nd day of October 2024.”
Hale is survived by three Sons, Zackary (Destin) Hale of Purvis, MS, Devin Caldwell Hale of Murfreesboro, TN & Quentin (Myrie) Hale of Smithville, TN. 2 Grandchildren, Roman & Bonnie Hale of Purvis, MS. Mother, Margaret Melton Hale of Temperance Hall, TN. Sister, Rosea Young of Smithville, TN. Niece, Tia (Brandon) Puckett of Smithville, TN. Great Nephews, Jackson & Maverick Puckett of Smithville, TN. Mother of his Children, Lesa Hale of Smithville, TN.
Mr. Hale was born on June 29, 1962 in Smithville, TN to his parents, Ray & Margaret Melton Hale. Preceding him in death is his Father, Ray Harvey Hale, Maternal Grandparents, Clarence Otis & Reba Irene Melton, Paternal Grandparents, Jeffery Davis & Aubrey Maey Hale. Several Aunts & Uncles also precede him in death. Mr. Hale attended the Long Branch Community Church. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home handled the funeral arrangements.
