Obituary

Donald Erskine Hall, Sr. was born on December 5, 1938, in Palatka, Florida to Alberta Banks and Clarence H. Hall, Sr. Donald peacefully passed on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in Starke, Florida, He was 86 years old.
During his early years, Donald attended Central Academy Elementary School and later graduated in 1957 from Central Academy High School in Palatka, Florida. Donald also attended FAMU in Tallahassee, Florida. During high school, Donald was member of C.A. marching band and played the drums.
Later in life, after high school and college, Donald served in the United States Army from1960-1967 and received an honorable discharge. Upon returning home in 1967, he married Valerye. To this union, four children were born. Donald and Valerye were married for over 57 years.
Donald was briefly employed in 1967 at the Yelvington Furniture Store in Palatka, Florida and the Palatka Housing Authority constructing the new “housing projects” on the northside of Palatka. He was later employed by the former Hudson Pulp and Paper Mill-now Georgia Pacific Corp. for over 35 years as the Fire Inspector, retiring in May 2003.
Donald was a straightforward, honest, and direct person, not much of a conversationalist, but genuine in every aspect of his life’s values, family commitments and relationships with others.
Donald’s early years as a boy were very active with his two brothers and neighborhood friends always doing the things that rambunctious boys do. Donald’s Mother, Alberta, was one of those mothers that thought her “boys” could do no wrong and catered to their every concern.
Donald’s Father, Clarence H. Hall, Sr., owned and operated the only black owned Dry Cleaners in Palatka and Putnam County until the early sixties. Some years later, Donald completely renovated the dry cleaners to now become CLARENCE H. HALL, SR. APARTMENTS, still located on the north side of Palatka.
Donald enjoyed home life-working outdoors, especially mowing his lawn, watching westerns on TV, grilling and caring for his many dogs over the years.
Donald is survived by his devoted wife, Valerye, children; Michelle V. Hall, Palatka, Derek E. Hall, Sr. Palatka, Donald “Dee” Hall, Jr. Tampa, Fl. And Denia “DeeDee” Hall (Rick) Crowder, Miami Beach, Florida,Donald was preceded in death b his parents-Alberta and Clarence H, Hall, Sr., two brothers: John A. Hall, Sr, and Clarence H. Hall, Jr., and sister, Myrtis (Otis) Mason. GRANDCHILDREN: Tyron E. Hall, Devin Hall, N’Dea Hall, De’ Akka Hall, Da’Sha Hall, Judah Hall, Derek E. “D.J.” Hall, Jr., Destiny Hall, and Derwin Hall. GREAT GRANDCHILDREN: Delia, Timea, Devin, Jr., Kaloni, Faith, Valencia, Princeton, Kayson, Drayden and Zuri. Sister: Veronica Gilliam. St. Augustine, Fl. Special Cousins: Barbara (Harold) Lewis, Atlanta, Ga. Kenneth (Annie Ruth) Banks-Jacksonville, Fl Sister-in-law: Gloria (Vincent, Sr.) Thompson Brother-in laws: Floyd G. Williams, Lloyd L. Miller, and Ronald Cotton Nieces: Pamela Mason, Deidre Billingslea, Amelia “Lady Bird” Hall, Sharon Hall, Daphne McClendon, and Willetta McClendon Hobbs. Nephews: John A. Hall, Jr. Clarence H. Hall,111, Cedric Hall, Cassius (Kameka) Hall Other Relatives and Special Friends: William Jernigan- St. Augustine, Fl., The Gordon Family-Palatka, Maggie (Charles) Bell, Toronto, Canada, Jerry and Linda Fillman, Palatka, Robert and Ida Clarke, Panama City, Fl, and Mary Lawson Brown, Palatka. And a great host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, and other friends.

ZOOM MEETING / Funeral Service
Saturday, January 25, 2025 @ 3:00 pm Kingdom Hall Of Jehovah’s Witnesses
ID# 251 889 855 / Passcode: 0v7VyM
(Note: that first digit is 0 as in zero)