Kenly – Earl Jackson Hales, age 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday December 5, 2020 at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield. Mr. Hales was born in Wayne County on July 17, 1936 to the late James William and Lizzie Stallings Hales. In addition to his parents, Mr. Hales is also preceded in death by sisters, Nettie Hales and Etta Marie Hodge. A funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday December 9, 2020 at Riverside Baptist Church in Kenly at 3 PM. The family will receive visitors at the church on Wednesday from 2 PM to 3 PM. Burial will follow the service at Bethany Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Hales is survived by wife of 58 years, Barbara Evans Hales of Kenly; Daughters, Karen Ambrose and husband TJ of Kenly, Kathy Kennedy and husband Robbie of Selma, Kristy Barefoot and husband Jeff of Kenly; Grandchildren, Rebekah Ambrose, Ryan Ambrose, Caroline Barefoot, Jackson Barefoot; Brothers, Melvin Hales, Edward Lee Hales, Jimmy Hales, Richard Allen Hales, Charlie Hales; Sister, Barbara Ann Atkinson. Mr. Hales was a charter member, trustee, treasurer and one of the first deacons at Riverside Baptist Church. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, planting his garden, and sitting under his shelter spending time with his friends and family. In addition to flowers memorial contributions may be sent to the SECU Hospice House Johnston Health Foundation PO Box 1376 Smithfield, NC 27577 Attn: Hospice Fund or to Riverside Baptist Church 1321 Old Dam Rd, Kenly, NC 27542.