Former Tuskegee Airman Chief Master Sergeant Richard R. Hall, Jr., departed this life January 25, 2021. He was a member of the Central Florida Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., which was named in his honor.
Born September 25, 1923 in Brooks County, Georgia, Hall was the eldest of four children to Robert Richard Hall and Mattie Elizabeth Rountree Hall.
He was preceded in death by his wife Thelma Hall of many years and his adult daughter Gloria Hall in 2013.
Richard was six months old when he moved with his parents to Winter Park, Florida. He was baptized at an early age at the family home church Mount Moriah Baptist. Here he served the Lord in his youth and as a faithful Deacon and Sunday School attendee before his passing.
During his earlier years he attended Hannibal Square Elementary School, Hungerford Vocational High School, and Xavier University in New Or-leans, LA where he was drafted in 1942 for World War II.
Richard established a military career and served in the US Air Force for 30 years. He was a Tuskegee Airman trained in munitions and aircraft maintenance during World War II. His career in the Air Force included deployment to North Africa, Italy and the south Pacific during the war.
After the war he was stationed in Ohio at the 332 fighter Wing at Lockbourne Air Force Base under the command of the renowned Tuskegee Airman Col. Benjamin O. Davis.
During the Korean conflict, Richard was deployed to Kimpo Air Base. It was after this war that his acts of valor led to the promotion of Chief Master Sergeant.
Richard continued to serve the military through the Vietnam War. He retired in 1973 with honors and distinction. Richard pursued a second career working for the state of Ohio in Columbus until retirement age. He then returned to his Florida roots to assist with his aging parents and to enjoy the warmth of the sunshine state.
Richard was honored on March 29, 2007 along with 300 airmen receiving the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor from President George W. Bush as a Tuskegee Airman. This was the highest civilian honor that Congress can bestow. These men served courageously during the time of early integration in the armed services. They were not often recognized or celebrated for their contributions and victories defending America.
During his final years, Chief Master Sergeant Hall was honored as well – deserving hero, and attended many functions and parades along with his caregiver Mrs. Dee Peoples. Richard also made train trips to visit his brother Dr. Clyde Hall and his family in Savannah, GA. He enjoyed many family reunions ing for the state of Ohio in Columbus until retirement age. He then returned to his Florida roots to assist with his aging parents and to enjoy the warmth of the sunshine state.
Richard was honored on March 29, 2007 along with 300 airmen receiving the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor from President George W. Bush as a Tuskegee Airman. This was the highest civilian honor that Congress can bestow. These men served courageously during the time of early integration in the armed services. They were not often recognized or celebrated for their contributions and victories defending America.
During his final years, Chief Master Sergeant Hall was honored as well – deserving hero, and attended many functions and parades along with his caregiver Mrs. Dee Peoples. Richard also made train trips to visit his brother Dr. Clyde Hall and his family in Savannah, GA. He enjoyed many family reunions church, Tuskegee Airmen Club and friends kept him vibrant until his last two weeks of life. “Richard was a generous person. His laughter, smile, and historical conversations will be missed.”
In addition to his parents Richard was preceded in death by his wife Thelma Hall, his brother Willis Hall, his sister Mable Hall, his daughter Gloria Hall, and sister in law Maud Lee Blount Hall (Clyde’s wife). He is survived by his brother Dr. Clyde Woodrow Hall (Savannah, GA), Nephew, Woodrow Hall (Glennda) of Atlanta, GA; children Danielle, Taylor & Christopher Hall; Nephew, Alvin Hall of Savannah, GA; Nephew, Karl Hall; Children, Muhannah; Niece, Lydia Hall Johnikin (Vil Sr) Charlotte, NC, children Vil Johnikin II (Tawanda) Madison, AL their child Trey; Lashanda Johnikin Barber Charlotte, NC her son Davis Barber-GA; Uncle Lonnie Rountree (deceased) his children Rudolph (decease), Juanita and Roy – Winter Park, FL; Cousin Roy Rountree Jr. (Vernaline) of Deland, FL, Cousin Pat Culpepper-Jones deceased and Nate Jones -Winter Park, FL and a host of other relatives and friends including long term caretaker and family friend, Dimitrius Peoples. A special recognition to Clara and James Smith.
A Viewing will be held Friday February 5, 2021 rom 4-7 pm at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 421 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789. Masks are required along with social distancing.
Repast: Box meal catered by Mission BBQ at Mount Moriah Baptist Church, 421 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, Winter Park, Florida 32789;
On Saturday, February 6, a Graveside Service will be held at the Pineywood Cemetery, 1810 S. Lakemont Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789. Officiating, Rev. Dr. Weaver Blondin, Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church.
