Roy Edward Hall, 80, passed away at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia on January 3, 2021. He was born July 10, 1940, in Midwest City, OK, the first of 13 children to Robert Edward and Minnie Martha Hall, née Pickett.

Roy had an adventurous spirit and enlisted in the United States Navy at the young age of 17, a rebellious act that required his father’s approval and signature. During a heated discussion, Roy convinced his father that the Navy was the right direction for him, and the elder Hall consented.

Roy was stationed all over the world during his career in the Navy, but it was during his time in New York City that he would enjoy relaxing at Cardinal Spellman’s Servicemen’s Club, where he met Annette Gerace. A romance blossomed, and Roy and Annette were married on August 25, 1963.

Roy was stationed in Patuxent River, MD for two years and was then assigned to Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach, VA, where he and Annette decided to plant their permanent roots.

Roy was a skilled airplane mechanic in the Navy, and later in his career, he also brought his knowledge to the classroom where he taught new recruits. Roy served in the Navy for 23 years before retiring. But Roy enjoyed the job too much to give it up, so he continued to work in the same position as a civil servant.

Roy had several hobbies, but his favorite was undoubtedly fishing. He bought a boat and would often take his daughter, Tracey, and son, Christopher, out on the water during his many fishing expeditions. Roy was also an avid gardener and loved to be outdoors. In his later years, he spent much of his free time enjoying a book on the patio, with views of the neighborhood squirrels, rabbits, birds and other fauna. Roy had a voracious appetite for books. He would read any genre, but he especially enjoyed immersing himself in the military thrillers of Tom Clancy and David Baldacci. Age and illness reduced his mobility, so Tracey would frequent a local used book shop to purchase several books a week for him to read. She became a welcomed and familiar sight to the proprietor as she became known as the daughter who bought books for her aging father.

Roy was preceded in death by Annette Gerace Hall, his wife of nearly 54 years. Roy is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Tracey and Andreas Kulbe of Virginia Beach, VA; and his son, Christopher Hall of Bristow, VA.

Roy was known as “The Mayor of Laurel Cove” for roaming the neighborhood to share a story, a smile and a high-five with everyone he encountered. Roy loved to tell stories, especially of his time with Annette, and would talk one’s proverbial ear off.

Join us for a celebration of Roy’s life, where many of his stories can be joyously told once again.

Saturday, June 19^th at 2225 Laurel Cove Drive from 1- 4p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Roy’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or to a charity of your choice.