Billy Gene Hale, 69, of Burlington, passed away Sunday, February 3, 2019, at his home.

He was born on November 18, 1949, at Kings Mountain, North Carolina, the son of Richard Blair and Virginia (Gordon) Hale.  He grew up in the Kings Mountain area and attended school there until he joined the U.S. Marine Corps.  After his service, he worked as a doffer in the cotton mills until moving to Kansas to work on construction of the Wolf Creek nuclear power plant.  He was a talented cook, and worked as a cook in several restaurants in Burlington and at BETO Junction, before beginning a career as an over-the-road trucker.  He loved to drive, and continued until health problems caused him to retire.

In addition to cooking great biscuits for his girls, Bill loved fishing, playing poker and other card games, and watching "Rasslin".  He loved music – especially Elvis – and always had a smile on his face and a bit of mischief in his eye.

On October 24, 1986, he was married to Phyllis Faye Rodgers at Burlington, and they were blessed with two daughters, Christina and Victoria.

Bill was preceded in death by a sister, Diane Cook, and a brother, Richard Dean Hale.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of Burlington, and their daughters, Christina Lawson (Michael) of New Strawn and Victoria Prock (Josh) of LeRoy;  his children Billy Jr., Robert, Kim, Kenneth, Barbara and Karen Hale, and two brothers, Steve Hale (Gertrude) and Timmy Hale, all of North Carolina;  many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Graveside memorial services will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 8, 2019, at Crandall Cemetery, west of LeRoy.  The family and friends will gather following the services for dinner and visiting at the LeRoy Fire Station.

Memorial contributions to "Coffey County Cancer Support Group" may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.