Gary Hall

“His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21 (KJV).
Gary Lee Hall, “Poppy”, an American Hero through his service in Vietnam, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful pastor, peacefully went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 3, 2026. He was embraced by family at Missouri Veterans Home in Mt. Vernon, MO, at the age of 79.
Gary is survived by his three children: Lisa (Doug) Bell, Tammy (Steve) Pleasant, and Gary “Ben” (Angie) Hall; and brothers Earnest Hall, Bruce Hall, Danny Hall, and sister Shirley Clem. His legacy lives on through his 18 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren, who will forever cherish his stories, jokes, nicknames, and unwavering love. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Brenda (Porter) Hall; his parents, Truman and Mary Hall; his siblings, Donald Hall, Llyod Hall, Randall Hall, Billy Hall, and Irene Hall.
Born on October 3, 1946, Gary was raised in a large family in a small home on “Hall’s Corner” in Underwood, Indiana. From an early age, he developed a lifelong love for baseball and could recite statistics for every player on his favorite team, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fittingly, the last two World Series he witnessed in his lifetime were won by the Dodgers, one final joy gifted to a faithful fan.
Motivated by the love for his country, Gary joined the United States Army and served honorably in the Vietnam War with the 7th Calvary Regiment. Shortly after his return to Indiana, he reconnected with the girl whose ponytail he once pulled on the school bus, Brenda Porter. Shortly after, they married and began a life together that would span more than five decades and produce three children.
Gary later gave his life fully to Christ and answered the call to preach. He moved his young family to Greenville, South Carolina, where he attended Tabernacle Baptist College. Following his education, Gary pastored three churches over the course of more than 30 years, including 27 dedicated years at Island Ford Baptist Church in Madisonville, Kentucky. His ministry was characterized by his passionate, fiery preaching, missionary trips to Mexico, and a heart for evangelism which was broadcasted over the Wonderful Sounds of Faith radio ministry, through which he reached countless lives.
Though wildly respected as a powerful preacher of God’s Word, Gary was best known to those closest to him as the most doting and loving husband to his “Babe,” and a kind, caring, and endlessly funny father and grandfather. His jokes, nicknames, and silly songs could be heard echoing through his home during holidays and family gatherings. His joyful spirit, compassion for others, and steadfast faith served as a living testimony and an enduring example for all who knew him.
Gary lived a life rooted in faith, defined by service, and filled with love. Whether standing in the pulpit, serving his country, or spending “quiet” moments with his family, he lived with purpose and humility, always pointing others toward Christ. Though his earthly work is complete, his race complete, the influence of his life continues through the many lives he touched, the family he faithfully led, and the example of faith he set. While his absence is deeply felt, we find comfort in knowing he has been reunited with his bride and has entered into the joy of his Lord hearing the words he longed to hear: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
Service Information
Visitation and Receiving of Friends will be held on Friday evening, January 9th from 5:00-7:00 PM (CST) at Barnett-Strother Funeral in Madisonville, Kentucky, where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate Gary’s life.
Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, January 10th at 11:00 AM (CST) at Island Ford Baptist Church in Madisonville, Kentucky, honoring Gary’s life, faith, and legacy of service to God, family, and country.
Burial Services will be held on Sunday, January 11th at 1:00 PM (CST) at New Providence Baptist Church – 2529 N. Slab Road, Austin, Indiana. Full military honors will be rendered at the graveside in recognition of his honorable service to the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

In Gary’s own words: “Keep looking up. Jesus may come tonight. Bye for now.”