Master Chief Petty Officer James Hall Ret.

HALL-Master Chief Petty Officer James Hall (USN Ret.) of Warrenville, SC., entered into rest August 14, 2015 at home with his family. Born Oct. 14, 1922, he had a full life and lived it always surrounding himself with friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, John C. Hall, Sr. and Carrie Bell Whittle Hall; brothers, Johnnie and Henry Hall and a sister, Lois H. Shields. He is survived by two sisters, Mary H. Williams of Stiefeltown, S.C. and Mattie H. Kinney of Aiken, S.C. James had many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews as well. “Unka James” was loved by many. James enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1942 and served for the duration of WW II as Chief Mechanic on destroyer escorts. Upon discharge, he joined the Navy Reserve as an instructor and served until he retired in 1980. James enjoyed a full life with a wide variety of activities. He enjoyed canoeing through the swamps of Florida, fishing with numerous friends and family and annual trips to reunions of people he served with on DE383 USS. Mills. He had a passion for knowledge, and an even greater passion for sharing that knowledge with anyone who sought his advice. He was known in the area for being the man to turn to when it came to anything automotive and especially Fords. Engineers from Detroit would come to see him when they couldn’t solve a problem. James was known for having the fastest cars around, and the locals would seek him out to tune and modify their cars. He would always oblige, but never to the point where someone else’s car was faster than his. James was well known in the early days of NASCAR for his abilities and skills. One of his proudest achievements is on display in the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame in Mooresville, NC. A 1959 Ford Thunderbird #64 that he was instrumental in restoring to racing condition. James Arthur Hall was of what has come to be known as “The Greatest Generation”. Those who knew him know that he was true to that description. His presence will be missed. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday evening, August 17th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Friends may also call at the sister’s residence, 219 Crabapple Lane in Warrenville, S.C. A graveside service, with Full Military Honors, will be held at the Historic Graniteville Cemetery in Graniteville, S.C. on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Clint Jackson officiating. The Honorary Pallbearers will be Cameron Davis, Michael Lepp, Vernon Summer, Mike Curley, Tony Leopard, Tony Verbanos, Marshall Johnson, Kyle Johnson and Blane Arthur. In lieu of flowers, memorials, in his honor, may be made to the Alzheimers’s Assoc., 140 Stoneridge Dr., Suite 210, Columbia, S.C. 29210 or to Regency Hospice, 105 Summerwood Way, Suite D, Aiken, S.C. 29803. Napier Funeral Home, Inc., 315 Main St.,Graniteville, S.C. 29829 in charge of the funeral arrangements. You can visit the our online guest register at www.napierfuneralhomeinc.com