Maxie W. Hales Jr.

Maxie Woodrow Hales Jr., 87, went peacefully to be with the Lord on May 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 29, 1938, to the late Max Sr. and Georgia Hales.

Max proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. After leaving the Air Force, he worked for Craighead Electric, ITE, Arkansas Industrial Electric, IAC, and Gateway Industrial, where he continued working hard until his passing.

Max was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Shirley Gillespie Hales.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his sons, Steve (Tammy) Hales of Little Rock and Michael Hales of Jonesboro; his grandchildren, Rees (Lacie) Hales, Austin (Kristen) Hales, Clayton Hales, and Madison (Sean) Taylor; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Nylie, Luke, Remi, Hazel, and Riley Hales, and Jackie, Asher, and Wells Steven Taylor.

Services will be held Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home with Bro. Tommy Walker officiating. A private entombment will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers are Dwight Gary, Bob Garibaldi, Randy Hales, Doug Nester, and Brad Faught.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. prior to the service. For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Wounded Warrior Project.