Wilgen "Ace" Hale

Wilgen J. "Ace" Hale, 87, of Science Hill, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, October 4, 2016. He was born in Somerset, Kentucky on August 6, 1929, son of the late John B. and Vona Sears Hale. He was owner of A & J Motors and probably one of the oldest active used car dealers in the state. He never met a stranger. He started running a service station on West 80, having a heart as big as a Cadillac, he would give too much credit out and had to close the station. He went to Cincinnati to work at Mead Containers while selling used cars at a Rambler dealership part time. After a few years, he saved enough money to move back to Science Hill and start Ace Auto Sales in the mid 1960's. He never quit working 6 days a week until his death and loved every minute of it. He loved being around people, telling jokes and old tales. He also loved flying planes in the earlier days and being on the lake in his boat with his friends. He was a Mason in good standing for over 50 years with the Norwood Ohio Lodge #576. He is survived by one daughter, Judy & (Benny) VanHook of Science Hill, one son, John & (Linda) Hale of Someret and his girlfriend of 23 years, Becky Wilmot of Science Hill, who took good care of him and is appreciated for everything she has done for him. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Jennifer & (Eric) Scott, Denetta & (Kyle) Lefler, Matt VanHook and Alexandra & (Alex) Hyden, great-grandchildren, Dastin, Zian, Kohen and Analin Scott, Jesalyn Lefler and Tad VanHook and former wife, Verna Hale of Somerset. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Duluth Goins and Bernice Barber and three brothers, James B. Hale, Dennis C. Hale and Darwin Hale A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, October 8, 2016 at Morris & Hislope Funeral Home with Bro. Johnie Waters officiating. Burial will be in Wesley's Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be after 5 PM Friday at Morris & Hislope Funeral Home with a Masonic service at 6 PM by Mt. Gilead Lodge #255. Morris & Hislope Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.