William Louis Hales

William Louis (Butch) Hales, age 66, of Garden Ridge, Texas, went to his heavenly home on October 27, 2025, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Butch was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. He enjoyed traveling to far-off places with his bride, sharing stories, and ministering to others. He loved God, his family, and his country, values that guided every part of his life.

Born on November 9, 1958, to the late Gladys Beatrice McBride of Lexington, Mississippi, and the late George Louis Hales of Pocahontas, Mississippi, Butch grew up with strong faith, a deep sense of duty, and an unwavering love for others.

In 1979, he married the love of his life, Lisa Lyn Smith of Grenada, Mississippi. For 46 years, they shared a life filled with love, devotion, respect, and adventure.

Butch proudly served his country for 31 years through military service. He was a graduate of Grenada High School, Class of 1976, earned his bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University, and went on to receive his master’s degree from North Texas State University. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve and was a veteran of the United States Air Force.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lisa; his daughter, Heather Nichole Halton; one granddaughter, Arya Meadow Hales; and two grandsons, Christian Mateo Halton and Elias Jacob Halton. He is also survived by his brother, John Wayne Harlow (Brenda Tribble Harlow); his sister, Beverly Jo Murphree (Gary Murphree); his uncle, John Bailey McBride (Barbara Joiner McBride); and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, William Shane Hales; his brother, James Andrew Harlow; and his grandparents, Clara Mae Hughes and William Bailey McBride.

Butch’s family is comforted knowing he has been reunited with his son in their heavenly home and that one day they will be together again when their own earthly journeys are complete. He will be deeply missed, but the memories and legacy he leaves behind will live on in the lives he touched along the way.

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”

Butch will be cremated, and his ashes will be placed at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Monday, November 10, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center in memory of William L. Hales to support pancreatic cancer research. Donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486, made online at www.mdanderson.org/gifts, or by phone at 713-792-3450.

Keep Your Hand in the Hand of Jesus

By Elder Jerry Hennessee

Keep your hand in the hand of Jesus,

And everything will be alright,

As He kindly, gently leads you,

Through the darkness of night.

Thrust thy finger, doubting Thomas,

Feel the imprint of the nail,

Though the world may rise against you,

Though the hosts of hell assail.

Hold the hand that touched the leper,

Hold the hand that broke the bread,

So the baskets full remained,

When the multitudes were fed.

Hold the hand that dripped with water,

As He washed the way worn feet,

Of the faithful few that followed,

In the path which He had beat.

Hold the hand that flowed with blood,

Running down on yonder tree,

Hold the hand that was made willing,

So that you would be set free.

Soon the hand that touched the bier,

As He spoke, “Young man, arise,”

Stretching forth will then receive you,

To thy home beyond the skies.