Terry Miller Hale

Bowling Green — Terry Miller Hale, 83 years of age, of Oakland, Kentucky, passed suddenly on May 22nd, 2026. Terry was born in Monroe County, Kentucky to Ruth (Miller) and Rex Hale. He was a graduate of Bristow High School, Western Kentucky University and Northwestern University. He was a member of Fairview United Methodist Church. Through hard work and determination, Terry put himself through WKU by painting mailboxes. His craftsmanship and reputation quickly led to additional opportunities, and before long, he expanded into house painting as well. After graduation, he began his banking career at American National Bank and Trust, later moved to First Federal, and eventually returned to American National Bank. While working in banking, he continued to refine his skills as a home builder. He later partnered with Neal Turner, and together they began developing properties. Over the years, he owned and operated several businesses, including Hale Contracting, Hale Home Improvement, and Hale Roofing. From moving dirt to putting on roofs, he truly loved every part of the work. Throughout it all, he also maintained a farming operation, working alongside Clyde and James Alan Spinks and Bill Jenkins. Hard work was his passion, and his love for building never faded. He took great pride in fixing any problem around a home and had a remarkable ability to thoughtfully and skillfully get the job done right. Terry passed away while working, with his boots on — a fitting reflection of the hardworking life he loved and the way he would have wanted to be remembered. Above all, his greatest love was his family. He treasured Sunday Hale dinners on the farm, hosting the Hale Barn parties for his grandchildren for more than 20 years, and celebrating the Fourth of July at the lake each year. More than anything, he loved simply showing up — supporting and celebrating every event his grandchildren were part of, while sharing his wisdom with his children, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. “T Hale,” as he was affectionately known, was the heart of our family — our provider, protector, and steady foundation. He was preceded in death by his father Rex Hale, mother Ruth Miller Hale and sister Betty Marilyn Hale. He will be forever missed by his loving wife of 63 years, Brenda Hale, daughters Amy Chandler (David), Heather Boyd (Jason) and son Brandon Hale (Hannah), Granddaughters Abby Thomas (Parker), Chloe Milliken, Hadley Boyd, Annie Boyd and Ruth E. Milliken, Grandson Rex Hale and Bonus Granddaughter Millie Key and Great-Grandson Luke Thomas and his sister, Jane Jones (Larry), and several nieces and nephews. The family will welcome visitors on Wednesday, May 27th, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel. Visitation will continue Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel. Entombment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to The Foundry Christian Community Center, Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society, and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Services have been entrusted with J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel.