Douglas Hall

Douglas Hall, affectionately known as “Duke” slipped away on August 22, 2016 before we expected, and much sooner than we wanted. He was born on May 11, 1948 to Howard E. Hall Sr. and Willie Mae Hall. Douglas (Duke) enjoyed a full life, getting to have many experiences that constituted a “good” life’s journey. He gave service to his country, having served in the U.S. Army, and even a tour of Vietnam. Occasionally, you would see him wear an Army green T-shirt. He worked for several companies before leaving the workforce. Among the several companies were Cloverland Dairy, Baltimore City Schools contractual bus company, and the more recent company of Specialty Wire Company. Douglas was a private, reflective man. He thought a lot, read a lot, and could meaningfully engage in any conversation on many topics. Sometimes he surprised you with the depth and breadth of his knowledge and understanding of a variety of topics. He was educated in the Baltimore City School System. He attended art school, and was gifted in drawing and sketching, which was his preferred art medium. Part of that artistic quality even spilled over into his handwriting, which was beautiful. Douglas (Duke) also loved to cook, and could cook. He took pride in his special recipe for stuffed fried shrimp and fried oysters. Douglas was neat and extremely organized. His closet’s organization would put many to shame. He was also very meticulous about his appearance. He loved to coordinate and match his entire outfit from head to toe. He absolutely loved movies, and had an extensive collection. He also loved Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, and was quite good at the correct answers for both. While he was not all that excited about playing cards, he really enjoyed beating his wife, Van and his daughter, Thais in an occasional card game. Douglas (Duke) loved to laugh and joke. One of his main sayings for his female family was “Baby Girl.” When he found something amusing that a male said, he would laugh and say, “My Man.” Over the recent years he loved a good road trip with his sister and brother-in-law. He was always ready to go to the next place. There was a time in his life when he enjoyed sports cars. He had a burnt orange Corvette that he used to say he wouldn’t mind having another one. Then there is that part of his journey where he experienced unconditional love from a woman. He met Vanessa McCarthy 28 years ago, and their journey began. He had found his soul-mate. Douglas (Duke) was a member of Disciples of Humanity in Christ Church, and was faithful until his end. He knew and understood much about the Bible, and could talk about it with anyone. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Vanessa McCarthy-Hall; his daughter, Thais Jackso; his two sons, Ronald Anthony Hall and Devon Hall and Larry Grimes, who he called son; granddaughter, Tiffany Hall; his sister, Dr. Teresa Hall-Cooper (Jimmie); sisters-in-law, Lavern Cofield (Shorty), Stella Cole; one brother–in law, Curtis Evans; two best friends and neighbors, Richard and Doris; two other special friends, Arlene Hall and Kathy Jackson; six step-grandchildren; a special cousin who hung out with him in their youth and stuck by him, Maxine Winbush; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, special neighbors of Presstman Street; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his older brothers, Howard E. Hall Jr. and Jerome Hall; his father, Howard E. Hall, Sr.; and his mother, Willie Mae Hall.

Tributes

Douglas Hall

May 11, 1948 - August 22, 2016