Floyd Everette Hales
Floyd Everette Hales lived a life characterized by family roots in North Carolina, dedicated military service, and a career marked by community engagement. He was a beloved husband and father, remembered for his quiet strength and commitment.
Early Life and Family
Floyd Everette Hales, the seventh of 11 children born to James and Pearl Hill Hales, was born on August 20, 1927, in Johnston County, North Carolina. He had brown eyes and brown hair.
He grew up in a large and bustling household alongside his 10 siblings: James Perry Hales Jr. (1917-1994), Fletcher Blythe Hales (1918-2006), Leon Daughtridge Hales (1920-1984), Earnest Harold Hales (1921-1987), Dorothy Clell Hales Furr (1923-2003), Winfred Hill Hales (1925-1960), Vara Pearl Hales Johnson (1930-2011), Betty Lois Hales Pender (1934-2017), Duke Nelson Hales (1936-1985), and Janice Marie Hales Batten.
Floyd honorably served his country in the U.S. Army through two distinct periods of enlistment. On his World War II draft card, he declared himself unemployed and residing with his mother in Kenly, signing his name "F.E. Hales." He was also described as 5 feet, 10 inches at 130 pounds.
He first enlisted as a Private First Class (PFC) on December 17, 1945, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. At the time of his enlistment, he had completed four years of high school and listed his civilian occupations as either a Petroleum Storage Technician or a Welder.
Military Service: Floyd E. Hales
| Enlistment Date: | December 17, 1945 |
| Location: | Fort Bragg, North Carolina |
| Age at Enlistment: | 18 (born 1927, North Carolina) |
| Rank: | Private |
| Branch: | No branch assignment |
| Component: | Selectees (Enlisted Men) |
| Serial Number: | 44165663 |
| Term of Service: | Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months. |
Background
| Record Source: | WWII Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946 |
| Marital Status: | Single, without dependents |
| Civilian Occupation Code: | 8819 |
| Civilian Occupation: | Skilled welders and flame cutters |
| Education: | 4 years of high school |
| Race: | White |
| Box/Film Number: | 15603.384 |
| Source Reference: | Civil Life |
| Affiliate Publication: | Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938-1946 |
Source Citation:
U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946. National Archives,
Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File.
He received his first discharge on November 10, 1946.
Floyd re-enlisted in the Army on November 26, 1951, serving until his second discharge on November 25, 1953. During his time in service, he was assigned to various locations including Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, and Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He also undertook specialized military education at the Water Supply Technician School.
For his service, Floyd was awarded the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar, the World War II Victory Ribbon, and the World War II Service Lapel Button, reflecting his contributions during the post-war era.
Post-Military Life, Marriage, and Career
Recorded in Wilson by Thillis L. Myers, Baptist Minister. Witnesses listed: Fletcher B. Hales, Lorraine Corbett and E.H. Hales. Source: Wilson County Register of Deeds, Page 185
After his military service, Floyd returned home and began a new chapter in his life. He married Myrtle Ruth Corbett on May 24, 1959, in Wilson, North Carolina. Myrtle, born on March 6, 1931, in Wilson, was the daughter of William and Nellie Coggin Corbett.
Together, Floyd and Myrtle had two daughters: Suzanne Hales and Linda Elizabeth Hales.
Floyd dedicated himself to public service, and on February 6, 1971, he was appointed postmaster of Kenly, serving his local community in this important role.
Postmaster Appointment: Floyd E. Hales
| Name: | Floyd E. Hales |
| Post Office: | Kenly, Johnston County, NC |
| Appointment Date: | February 6, 1971 |
| Volume: | 50 (Year Range: 1930-1971) |
Source Citation:
Record of Appointment of Postmasters, 1832-1971; National Archives Microfilm Publication M841, Roll 94; Records of the Post Office Department, Record Group 28; National Archives, Washington, D.C. Digital image retrieved from the National Archives Catalog.
Later Years and Legacy
Floyd Everette Hales passed away on February 9, 1980, in Wilson, North Carolina. He was laid to rest in Kenly Cemetery in Johnston County.
His beloved wife, Myrtle Ruth Corbett Hales, died on December 31, 2004, and is also buried in Kenly Cemetery, Kenly, Johnston County, North Carolina.
Floyd is remembered for his dedication to his family, his country, and his community, leaving a legacy of service and steadfastness.
Courtesy Stancil Reunion Archive
— Renn Stancil Hinton, daughter of George Ralph Stancil
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