<!-- FH = Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown -->Steve HaleEasleyRichard Stephen "Steve" Hale, 75, of 404 Cobble Stone Trace, husband of the late Julia Gilley Hale, passed away Friday, September 2, 2011 at Baptist Easley Hospital.Born in Fulton County, GA, the son of the late Truman and Anna Rene Milam Hale, Mr. Hale retired as general manager of Easley Combined Utilities. He was on the Board of Directors of Piedmont Municipal Power Agency and was a volunteer with the Easley Fire Department for over twenty-three years. Mr. Hale was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church and a veteran of the United States Coast Guard.Surviving are three sons, James Davidson "Jim" Hale (Penny)of Greenville, Richard Brian Hale (Diana) and Paul Bradley Hale (Meshelle), all of Easley; two sisters, Harriet Sparks of Snelleville, GA, and Jenea Townsend of Jackson Co., GA; and nine grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Hale was predeceased by a daughter, Donna Allison Hale.Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Sunday at Rock Springs Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. David Gallamore officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park.The body is at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown and will be placed in the church at noon Sunday where the family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2:00 PM, prior to the service.Memorials may be made to Christian Learning Centers, (Released Time Program) 210-A, Mt. Airy Church Road, Easley, SC 29642.The family is at the home of Brian and Diana Hale, 202 Spring Drive, Easley, SC 29642.Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.