Robert Lee

Hal

Robert Lee Hal was born April 13, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late Emma Lee Washington, a devoted mother who raised her children to lean on the Lord and walk faithfully in His ways. From an early age, Robert accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and his faith became a guiding force throughout his life.

In 1969, Robert joined his family in Oakland, California, where he became a member of West Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. S. Handy. His spiritual journey continued as he later became a member of Humanity Baptist Church, where the late, Bishop George L. Anderson led his congregation to know who God is and to understand the importance of walking faithfully with the Lord.

In December 1998, following his retirement from the City of Berkeley, Robert began a new chapter in his life. He and his family made Richmond, Virginia, his wife Adrienne's hometown, their home. In 2003, Robert established R&A Transportation Inc. and fulfilled his dream of driving trucks.

Robert became a devoted member of St. James Baptist Church in 1999, where he served on the Trustee Ministry and was an active member of the choir. His love for his church and his faith was evident in the way he served others. And if you knew Robert, you knew there was one more role he proudly held—he was the man behind the potato salad that everyone requested!

Robert was a man of many passions and talents. From an early age, he developed a love for fast cars and driving, a passion that eventually became his occupation. His knowledge and love of automobiles became part of his life's work and a way for him to give back to his community. Robert was instrumental in helping establish a safe space for young people to drag race in Berkeley in partnership with the police department. It gave young people an opportunity to enjoy their passion for cars in a safer and more responsible environment.

Robert enjoyed his life! He loved to fish and bowl. He was always ready for a little friendly competition. If you knew Robert, you knew he was going to talk a little smack—especially if he thought he was winning! If Robert loved you, you knew it. And if he was beating you at bowling, you knew it! His laughter, humor, stories, and ability to make people smile were gifts that will never be forgotten.

Above all, Robert was a man of God and a man who cherished his family. He was a faithful servant, devoted husband, a strong father, loving brother, and a caring friend to many. He believed in leading his family with faith and making sure those he loved understood the importance of God. His life reflected the words of Joshua 24:15: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Robert didn't simply speak about faith—he lived it and passed it down to those he loved.

Robert understood that love was more than words. It was commitment, sacrifice, protection, laughter, and choosing to stand beside someone through every season of life. Proverbs 18:22 reminds us, "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord." Robert shared 36 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Rev. Adrienne Hal. He was her husband, protector, best friend, and lifelong companion. Together, they built a family, raised their children, traveled, laughed, faced life's challenges, and created memories that will live on forever.

Their marriage reflected commitment, companionship, and the love that grows when two people choose one another through the years. Robert treasured his role as a husband and father, and his family remained one of the greatest expressions of the life he worked to build.

But Robert was more than a husband, father, and brother—he was a friend. He was the kind of friend whose presence became part of your life, whose laughter became a memory, and whose loyalty made you feel like family. To know Robert was to know the warmth of genuine friendship, and the people who loved him knew that his friendship was a gift. For the essence of a man is found in the lives he touches, and Robert's life touched many.

Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Emma Lee Washington; his brother, Jessie Washington; his children, Kevin Hal and Christine Traylor; and his best friend, Charles H. Anderson II.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Rev. Adrienne Hal; his children, James "Jamie" Allen, Princess Allen, and Shamicca Billie; two grandchildren, Jamia Allen and Kai Billie; two sisters, Betty Harris (Dan) and Velma Knox; Mother-n-law, Mary Herbin; two sister-n-laws; three brother-n-laws; one life sister, Pamela Anderson-Hedgman; his special and devoted friends, John Pollard III, Brian Shelton, Jerry Branch, and Russell Brown, III; one exceptional caregiver, Timothy Morris, Jr., along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends whom he loved dearly.

Robert's love for his family can be beautifully captured in 1 Corinthians 13:7: "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." He loved deeply, protected fiercely, laughed loudly, and lived with purpose and faith.

Though his earthly journey has come to an end, Robert's voice, laughter, lessons, love, and faith will continue to live through everyone blessed to know him.

Robert did not simply live a life—he left a legacy.

May he rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord he faithfully served, knowing that the love he gave, the lives he touched, and the legacy he created will continue through generations to come.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever Robert.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd., where viewing will be held Friday, September 25 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 26, at 12:00 p.m., Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Rev. Toriano Anderson, officiating. Interment private.