Billy Eugene Hall

Heaven just received another angel. Bill passed away at his son’s home in Portland after a year-long battle with cancer. His children have been blessed to be his caregivers. Despite the challenges of his illness, he maintained his keen intellect and sense of humor.
Born in Akron, Ohio, he was the only child of Claude and Jackie Davis Hall. At an early age, his family moved to Alabama, where he was raised and received his education. He was a veteran of WWII, having enlisted in the Navy at age 17. He was trained as a gunner on a fighter plane. He was proud of his military service and was an honored member of the War Birds. During his military service in Astoria, he met and married the love of his life, Irene Sutkowski, November 17, 1945. They have made their home in Astoria ever since, raising their five children. Last November, they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.
He was industrious and hardworking. Amongst other jobs, he owned a Mobile gas station in Astoria, before he became a State Farm Insurance Agent. He belonged to the “Millionaire Club” by writing a life application once a week for 24 years. He enjoyed his profession and was respected by many – a testament to his engaging and outgoing spirit. He belonged to the Elks Fraternity, was on the Astoria Parks & Recreation Board for years, and a member of “Friends of the Astoria Column” when they were making critical decisions.
He and Irene traveled to many countries with State Farm. He loved RV traveling to Quartzite and Borrego Springs, and wintered in Palm Springs. He loved to drive and had a special zeal for cars. There was nothing he couldn’t fix. In his younger adult years, he was part of a group of friends who would put on their wetsuits and water ski on Cullaby Lake on New Year’s Day. Among his special interests were hunting, fishing, camping, and ballroom dancing with Irene. In the last years, you would find the two of them camping on their property on the Nehalem River with Bill putting out his crawdad traps. His family was his life; especially when they were all together at family events, such as renting a place in Black Butte in the summer, or a Brightwood cabin in the winter. He delighted in being a part of his grandkids activities.
Bill’s love of life and adventuresome spirit will be carried on by his wife, Irene; children: Sandee (Patrick) Killion (their children Chris, Jeff); Linda (Bill) Rice (their children Matt, Missy, Nick, Megan); Mike (Barb) Hall (their children Brooke, Ashley, Keeley); Billy Hall, Jr.; Lisa (Scott) Rygg (their children Tim, Andy, Kyle); 13 great-grandchildren (Blake, Kason, Tatum, Mikai, Tanner, Madison, Drew, Jackson, Natalie, Sean, Kenny, Ryain, Bradey), sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews and beloved friends. He left a footprint on this earth that will never be forgotten. He will truly be missed by all his family and the countless people he has touched throughout his life.
A rosary (at 10:00 a.m.) and memorial mass to follow will be held at the Astoria St. Mary’s Catholic Church on September 28. He will be laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery on September 30 at 12:30 p.m. with full military honors.