Reece Gilbert Hales, Jr. of Delmar passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at his home.
He was born July 11, 1954 in Salisbury, a son of the late Reece Gilbert Hales, Sr. and Dolores Watson.
Reece spent his younger days around Delmar and attended school in Delmar before his family moved to Snow Hill. He opened Hale’s Tree Service in Delmar in 1993 and operated it alongside his wife until retirement. He was a self-described “no nonsense kind of guy” who accomplished so much through hard work and self-determination. He was a lover of hot rods and old cars, a love he passed to his youngest son, and enjoyed watching his friends race occasionally at the Delmar drag strip. He also owned many boats and had a passion for bay fishing, especially with his family, who will treasure memories of trips to Crisfield to fish for rock fish, trout, and flounder.
He is survived by his wife of almost 29 years, Kelly L. Hales and their two children, Paige Hales Payton and husband, Matthew and Reece G. Hales, IV; sons from his first marriage, Reece G. Hales, III and Gary Scott Hales; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters, Deborah Hales, Diane Evans, and Susan Hales; brothers and sisters-in-law; a special nephew, Eric Evans; and several other nieces and nephews. He is also survived by close friends, Carlos Ortiz, Joe Harris and Barry Byers; and his beloved family dog, “Bud-Bud.”
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Johnny Hales.
Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in memory of Reece to TidalHealth Behavioral Health Campaign by visiting https://www.tidalhealth.org/about-us/donate.
Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.