Chapter Invisible

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the path of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou prepare a table before me; in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen.
Psalm 23:1-6

Frederick Joynes Hall, son of the late William E. and Annie Baines Hall, was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at his home in Oak Hall, VA with his niece, Sandra, by his side.

Fred was born in Wardtown, VA on April 4, 1940. He was educated in the Accomack County Public Schools, and was a faithful member of Mount Zion Independent Church in Withams, VA.

Upon graduating from Mary N. Smith High School with honors, Fred enlisted in the United States Army, and upon completion of the Army’s Basic and Advanced Infantry training, was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. While with the 101st, Fred applied for and was accepted to attend the Officers Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning, GA. Upon completion of OCS, he was commissioned as an Infantry Second Lieutenant. He attended the Army Airborne School, Army Air Assault School, and the Army Special Warfare School, which allowed him to be assigned to a Special Forces Unit. Fred was later deployed to the Republic of South Vietnam where he served as the Company Commander of an Infantry Company with the 199th Infantry Brigade. Later in his career, Fred was assigned as the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of the Newark, NJ Recruiting Command. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1982 with the rank of Master Sergeant/Captain, after nearly twenty-five (25) years of service. During his military career, Fred had the opportunity to travel all over the world to include, but not limited to, the Philippines, Guam, Germany, Korea, Israel, Turkey and Kuwait, just to name a few. Upon retiring from the Army, Fred continued his service to his community and young people while being employed with SHORE UP! Inc. in Salisbury, MD for over fifteen (15) years.

His service awards include: the Army’s Combat Infantryman’s Badge, given only to Army Infantry soldiers for actions in combat; Expert Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star for Valor with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters; Purple Heart (for wounds sustained in combat), Air Medal, Parachutist Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Gold Recruiters Badge (3), Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with Stars; Overseas Service Medal; Army Meritorious Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

He was affectionately known to many as “Fred”, “Brother”, “Uncle Fred”, “Frat”, and “Nupe.” Though Fred did not have any children of his own, he stressed the importance of education for his nieces and nephews, by setting the example. Fred was a 1975 graduate of Hampton University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Business, with honors. He later obtained his Master of Science degree in Political Science from Rutgers University, again with honors. While completing his undergraduate degree, Fred was initiated into the Hampton University Chapter the Beta Chi of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. As of April 2024, Fred achieved 50 Years of membership in the fraternity and was awarded the honors and awards associated with becoming a 50 Year Member. Fred was also a member of Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons Post 0064.

Fred is survived by: his sister, Christine Smith (Brooklyn, NY); brother, Donald Hall (Tacoma, WA); special nieces and caregivers, Sandra Fletcher and Naliyah Miller (Oak Hall, VA); godsons, Frederick J. Hall II (Ocean City, MD) and Cornelius W. Fletcher II (Manhattan, NY); goddaughters, Athena Alsobrook II (East Orange, NJ) and Nikki Torrain and sister-in-law, Pauline Hall (Withams, VA), as well as a host of special nieces, nephews and his service companion dog, Pepper.

He was preceded in death by: his life partner of almost forty (40) years, Eugene Alsobrook; his brothers and sisters (spouses), Wilbert (Doris) Hall, Carol Hall, George (Eva) Hall, John (Shirley) Hall, Sylvester, Sr. (Shirley) Hall, Edward, Sr. (Oliphian) Hall, Mabel (Samuel, Sr.) Fletcher, Jeanette (Frank) Davis, Ethel Scarborough, Beatrice (James) Douglas, Corine Hall, Vadelia (Leon) Christian, Ethel (Richard) Turner, Alvin Smith, Maria Hall, and pet companions DJ and Victor.

Fred did so much for so many. He was always supportive, caring, and loving. To say that he will be missed is an understatement. Rest easy Uncle Fred, job well done.