Gary Michael “Mike” Hall, 71, of Midland, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2018 in Dallas, with his loving wife, Susie Hitchcock-Hall at his side. Services will be at 1:00 pm, Friday, February 9, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church of Midland. Honorary Pallbearers are Terry Huckaby, Gary Moore, Jay Fielder, Jerry Hilton, Autrey Stevens, Barbarita Riley, Eddie Wiginton, and Dan Rush.Mike was born on January 28, 1947 in Comanche, Texas, to Norman and Jane Hall. Mike was a graduate of Stanton High School and earned a degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University. He served many years in law enforcement, first as policeman and then as a deputy sheriff, before continuing his career in the oil industry working for Big Dog Drilling and KLX Energy. He proudly served his country in the Army, stationed in Korea.Mike was passionate about sporting clays, receiving numerous awards and recognitions for his expert marksmanship. He was a 32nd Degree Free Mason and a member of First Presbyterian Church of Midland. Oh, how he loved to “piddle” with his vast collection of guns and time spent in his shop. Mike was a loyal, loving friend to anyone who met him, always offering to help, and quick to make you laugh. He loved blue grass and old time country music (back when it was real country music!) Mike could easily recognize the performer, lyrics and songwriter.He got so much joy from teasing those folks he enjoyed, especially Barbarita Riley from New York who took several road trips with him and Susie, the last one to Cody, Wyoming. He was well read, soft spoken, easy going, and always had a story to tell. “Big Mike” as he was known, cast a large shadow and touched the lives of everyone who was blessed to have known him. Mike rescued dogs but always blamed it on Susie and he was always trying to find a way to spoil Susie.We all agree, we were blessed to have known and loved Mike.Mike is survived by his devoted wife, Susie Hitchcock-Hall; children, Randy Hall (Traci), Amanda Smith (Houston), Jake Hall (Brittany), Ashley McClellan (Chad), sons, Andrew Hitchcock (Andrea) and David Hitchcock; brother Pat Hall (Toya); sister-in-law, Dede Gray; eleven grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, and his best buddy, Dude, his dog who was always at his side.Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Norman Andrew Hall and Elizabeth Jane Ward Hall and sister, Frances Merritt.The family would like to express their gratitude towards the nurses and doctors at Zale-Lipshy Hospital in Dallas.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to 4H Sporting & Clays Youth Group c/o MSA Shotgun Range, 5911 South FM 1788, Midland, Texas 79706 or Midland Humane Coalition, PO Box 532, Midland, Texas 79710.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.,
