Johnie Winford Hale

Johnie Winford Hale of Drytown passed away June 2, 2017 at the age of 91 in Yreka, CA due to complications following a fall. Born in Trousdale, OK on January 27, 1926 to the late Thelma Irene (Taylor) and James Millard Hale, he lived and worked in south central OK until receiving his draft notice at the age of 18. Choosing to ride instead of walk, he joined the US Navy in 1944 and served in the Pacific on the USS Crittenden and USS LST 1103. A Ship's Cook Second Class, he was honorably discharged in 1946. As many of his family had done, he moved to California in search of work. On June 5, 1948 he married fellow Oklahoman Lucy Imogene Hickman in Reno, NV. Jean was by his side for 66 years before passing away on December 23, 2014. Johnie worked as a carpenter while residing in Stockton, CA during which time their two daughters were born. The young family moved to Sloughhouse where he worked for many years on cattle ranches as a ranch hand and cowboy. Before moving to Drytown in 1973, he was a groundkeeper at Rancho Murrieta Golf Course. He returned to carpentry, working on several commercial projects in Amador and Tuolumne Counties at the end of his career. He joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners in 1952 and proudly paid his dues until retirement. Johnie liked gambling trips to Reno and watching golf on TV but he loved driving mountain backroads, cutting firewood with a chainsaw and thrift store bargains. He is survived by daughters, Sharlet Brown (Rick Marvin) of Yreka, CA, and Sharon Hale (Pete Scott) of Sacramento, CA; Sister-in-law, Colleen Hickman of Washington, OK; Grandchild, Deanna Erhardt (Carl) and great grandchild, Lillia Erhardt, of Scappoose, OR; nephew, Carl Hickman (Jana); nieces, Karla Hamilton (James) and Kathy Hickman, all of OK. Private inurnment will be held at the Sunset View Cemetery, Jackson, Ca. At Johnie's request, no services will be held. Donations may be made to: Madrone Hospice, Inc. at 255 Collier Circle, Yreka, CA, 96097.