Harold "Groundhog" Hale, age 80, of Smithville passed away Sunday afternoon February 28, 2021 at NHC Healthcare of McMinnville. 

 Mr. Hale was a member of First Communion Church in Sparta and worked at Federal Mogul and at the DeKalb County Convenience Site on McMinnville Hwy. 

 He was born November 21, 1940 to his parents the late Howard and Samantha Jones Hale.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Carl Hale; brother-in-law, Joe I. Taylor. 

 He is survived by his wife, Barbara Hale of Smithville; children, Craig (Patricia) Hale of Smithville, Crystal Hale of Smithville, Tammy (Max) Slatton of McMinnville, Teddy (Brenda) Roberts of Crossville;  grandchildren, Christen (Charles) Cox, Nicholas Hale, Elizabeth Chalfant, Tera (Scott) Elkins, Ty Slatton, Tasha Roberts, Jason Roberts, Dustin Roberts and Dakota Eaton; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Helen Taylor (Jim) Cook of Smithville; brother, Jimmy (Jacque) Hale of Smithville; several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. 

Funeral service was held Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Michael Hale officiating. Burial followed in Whorton Springs Cemetery. 

 Pallbearers included Ty Slatton, Jason Roberts, Dustin Roberts, Tyson Hale, Nicholas Hale, and Charles Cox. Honorary pallbearers were Caleb Decker, Rylan Elkins, and Levi Elkins.

 The family asked donations may be made to Whorton Springs Cemetery Fund. 

 DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Smithville, was in charge of arrangements.