James Olin Hall

It is with a great deal of sadness that we share our dear “Papa”, Olin Hall, age 89, passed away just after midnight April 22, 2021. He was in the loving care of the staff at The Sanctuary at Stonehaven and Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region. Olin had the humblest of beginnings having been raised in an orphanage but that experience taught him to be a cheerful servant in all he did. He either hummed or whistled while doing chores either at home or at church. Olin’s high school senior yearbook included the caption “Twenty-four hours of sunshine” under his photo…and that pretty much says it all. Born in Virginia just over the N.C. state line, Olin came to live at The Children’s Home in Winston-Salem in 1946 where he continued to learn the importance of doing your best and also teamwork, as he played many sports. He graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School and then High Point College, graduating in three years. He taught high school in Francisco, NC before being drafted into the Army. Olin met his wife of more than 60 years, Mary Ann, after her minister’s wife suggested she write him while he was stationed in Germany. Once Olin returned to the states, they were married six weeks later! They were quite a team as they each earned Master’s degrees - moving sometimes thousands of miles to avail themselves of scholarships and then often working with each other in various schools and programs. After many wonderful years in Illinois, Olin and Mary Ann moved back to North Carolina in 1977. They loved being back home with the mountains and beach nearby. But more than the scenery, they loved their church family, First Presbyterian Church in Monroe. Olin was devoted to his church and community. He served as deacon and managed the church property for many years. He retired as director of special programs from Monroe City Schools in 1991. In 2017, First Presbyterian Church and the Presbytery of Charlotte honored him with the Legacy Award for his example of cheerful service. After moving to Charlotte that year, he regularly worshiped with his church home away from home, Sardis Presbyterian Church. Attending church was a highlight of his week as the music and the message fed his soul. Olin is survived by his daughters Cindi Bernart (Will) and Harriet Hall (the late, Tammy Branch.) Olin was beloved Granddaddy to Bill Bernart and Kate Bernart. He was also Dad to his “adopted son” Uc Cao and his wife, Huong Le, of Winterville, NC. In addition, Olin is survived by his sister, Elva Brannock (Lewis) and brother, Stacy Wilkinson (LuRay). He was preceded in death by brothers J.C. Hall, Wydell “Dell” Hall (Lois), “Buck” Hall (Frances) and Eugene Hall. He was preceded in death by his sisters Mary Lou White (the late Curtis White), Oceile Poage (David) and Ruth Hall. Our family deeply thanks our unfailing friend, Jackie Wall, for her devotion to Papa and the amazing support from her husband, Jeff. We also thank Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region for their care. The Sanctuary at Stonehaven staff have a special place in our hearts for their loving and professional care provided for our father. Olin was loved by everyone, whether they knew him for thirty minutes, or their whole life. We miss him and will love him close in our hearts forever. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Monroe. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service. The service will be streamed for viewing at http://fpcmonroenc.org/ In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 302 E. Windsor St., Monroe, NC 28112. Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112 is serving the family of Olin. Hall. Condolences may be sent online to http://www.gordonfuneralservice.com