John Whitfield Hall

After a courageous battle with cancer, John Whitfield Hall, age 72, of Bristol, VA passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, June 18, 2023 surrounded by his family.  John is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 43 1/2 years, Gisele O. Hall.  Also surviving are his mother, Anne Hall Prince, and sister Frances Leftwich (Dennis) of Highlands, NC and brother-in-law Larry Ouellette (Debbie) of Berlin, NH.  John was of the Methodist faith.

John graduated from the University of Richmond with a degree in psychology and sociology.  He received his Master’s degree in education from Boston College specializing in Orientation and Mobility for the blind and visually impaired.  John continued to teach O&M for the next 47 years and found this career most satisfying and rewarding.

Easy going, kind, and a friend to all people are just a few ways you may describe John.  He always had a smile, offered a kind word of encouragement or a compliment and was generous with hugs.  With his soft-spoken gentleness, humor, and generosity, John enriched beyond measure the lives of his family and friends.  John’s life was a life well lived.  He will forever be remembered for his witty charm, his compassionate and loving soul, his outstanding work ethic and energy, his courage, and his strength.

John was blessed throughout his life with a loving family and a family of amazing and loving friends both in the US and Canada.  He will be forever grateful to all of them for their love, support, and enriching his life.  John’s friendships are his legacy and are too many to name. The family would like to thank everyone for all the prayers, visits, calls, cards, food and other acts of kindness during John’s illness.  The family appreciates all of you and John loved you dearly.  He will be forever loved, forever missed, and forever in our hearts.

John’s family would like to thank the Bristol Ballad Health Cancer Care Center doctors, nurses and staff, as well as the Elite Hospice Services staff for all their kindness, care and support throughout his illness.  Each professional we met went beyond the call of duty and did so with tremendous caring and kindness.  We would especially like to thank Dr. Laramie Triplett, John’s PCP, and his wonderful pharmacologist, Jennifer Trotter for their amazing kindness, care, wise advice and unbelievable availability.  John was truly fortunate to have these two wonderful and exceptional professionals to care for him.  We will always be forever grateful to them.

It was John’s desire for a private passage into eternal life.  In keeping with that request, the family will refrain from holding visitation or funeral services.  A private inurnment and service will take place at the University of Richmond Chapel Columbarium at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that interested friends honor his memory by making gifts to the Barter Theatre, Abingdon, VA  24210.  Donations can be made by phone at 276-619-3315, through the Barter website, or by mail at Barter Theatre, P.O. Box 867, Abingdon, VA 24212.

The family of John Whitfield Hall is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2900.  We would like to thank Mr. Stephen DeBord for all his kindness and assistance in tending to John’s passing.

EPITAPH

A life of laughter and love…

Now that I am gone,

remember me with smiles and laughter.

And if you need to cry,

cry with your brother

who walks in grief beside you.

And when you need me,

put your arms around anyone

and give to them what you need to give to me.

There are so many who need so much.

I want to leave you something-

something much better than words or sounds.

Look for me in the people I’ve known

or helped in some special way.

Let me live in your heart

as well as in your mind.

You can love me most

by letting your love reach out to our loved ones,

by embracing them and living in their love.

Love does not die, people do.

So, when all that’s left of me is love,

give me away as best you can.

-Author unknown