Milton Hall

MILTON WILBERT HALL, son of the late Agnes Dixon and Howard Edward Hall and devoted husband to the late Irene Delores Hall, departed this life on February 4, 2014 at the young age of 91. Mr. Hall, known by most as “Poppy,” was born on April 16, 1922 in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended Baltimore City Public Schools, but had to leave at an early age to help support his family. His first job was setting up stalls at the Lexington Market. Following this job, he worked as a paper bailer for L. Gordon & Sons. While there he received his driver’s license which enabled him to drive their trucks, which made deliveries to department stores such as Hecht Company, Hutzler’s and Hoschild Kohn. This “workahollick” next managed to land a job with Pollock Paper Box Company, then located on the Maryland/Pennsylvania line. There he helped to build Navy barracks. It is believed that this position influenced his decision to join the Navy in 1942 as he was drafted into the service during World War II. While serving, Milton was trained to become a Gunner’s Mate, a position which still exists today within the U. S. Coast Guard. This training was interrupted when his Company was shipped to Hawaii and later to Okinawa, Japan. Shortly after being honorably discharged at the end of World War II, “Poppy” began working at John H. Hampshire & Sons as a Teamster truck driver, carpenter, laborer and Shop Steward. He worked there for over 40 years, retiring in 1988. Retirement was only on paper as he continued to attend his Local 311 Teamster’s Union meetings until he was no longer able to drive (believe it or not, less than a year ago). Mr. Hall was an excellent carpenter, not only on the job, but also at home. He almost single-handedly renovated the house he and his family lived in since 1959 (according to his wife’s instructions, of course). "Pop" continued to live there until his recent decline. Those who knew him well, remember his willingness to find time to help family and friends with their renovation projects as well. Milton’s second love was gardening and planting flowers with and for his wife, Irene. Once retired he truly became the farmer that he often dreamed of. “Pop” planted and successfully grew tomatoes, string beans, collard greens, cucumbers, watermelons, green and red peppers, corn, strawberries and cantaloupe. The flower garden, which included Rose bushes and Azaleas, was the envy of many. He always admitted that behind a good man, there is a good woman, giving his wife the late Irene Hall much of the credit for his successes.

Tributes

Milton Hall

April 16, 1922 - February 4, 2014