Birth Date: 08/25/1960
Deceased Date: 01/02/2024
Nathan “Nate” Cooper Hales, Jr., GySgt, USMC (Ret), age 63, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2024. He was born August 25, 1960, in Johnston County he was the son of Nathan Cooper Hales and Mildred Alford Hales.
Nathan graduated from North Johnston High School in 1978. GySgt. Hales proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 21 years active and faithful service. Nate had a passion for Softball. He played and coached at all levels of Military Softball including All-Marine and All-Armed Forces.
GySgt Hales’ career in the Marine Corps took him from the reaches of the Far East to Southwest Asia. His personal decorations and military service awards include; a Meritorious Service Medal, 2 Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, 2 Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medals, 3 Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, a National Defense Service Medal, 3 Southwest Asia Service Medals, a Kuwait Liberation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, 5 Overseas Medals and 5 Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals.
Following his retirement from military service, he returned home to Kenly. He worked in various electrical positions. His passion in retirement was umpiring softball, to return to the game he loved. Anyone who knew Nathan was lucky enough to enjoy his jovial spirit, generosity, and kindness. He was a loyal friend, a fierce competitor on the softball field, and always had a story to share. Nathan was a member of Kenly Missionary Baptist Church and a current member of the Kenly American Legion.
In addition to his parents, Nathan is survived by his daughter, Allison Cooper D’Aprile, and husband, Zach, his Aunt Pauline Bridgers, uncle Benny Alford, many cousins, his lifelong friend/brother, Rupert Langston, and numerous friends.
The family will receive visitors at Kenly Missionary Baptist Church, 1730 NC-222, Kenly, NC 27542 on Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life, including full Military Honors at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Kenly Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund, 1730 NC-222, Kenly, NC 27542.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
