Coeburn, Virginia                                        October 15, 2025

Cossie C. Hale Sr., age 76, of Coeburn, Virginia, went home to be with the Lord surrounded by his family on October 14, 2025, at Norton Community Hospital in Norton, Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Paula Ranee Davis; his grandson, Danny Tanner Odle; his parents, Burley Taft Hale and Clercie Stanley Hale; his sister, Jerri Kenny; and twin infant sisters, Melva Jean and Healthy Vionna.

Cossie leaves behind the love of his life and devoted wife of nearly 50 years, Opele Stidham Hale. Also surviving are his son, Cossie (Mindy) Hale Jr.; six grandchildren, Lexi (Kodie) McCaskill, Mia (Cody) Adams, Kaylee Hale (Zach Smith), Joshua Hale, Emily Hale, and Destiny Stover; and seven great-grandchildren, Weston, Briella, Tanner, Easton, Everleigh, Bentley, and Maverick. He is also survived by three brothers, Buck (Nina) Hale, Dallas Hale, and Thurman (Jean) Hale; and two sisters, Christa Childress and Elizabeth (Rodney) Marshall.

Barely of age, Cossie proudly answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded numerous medals, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Following his return home, he began a long and dedicated career as a coal miner, providing faithfully for his family.

Cossie was a man of strong faith and gentle strength. He loved spending his time hunting, fishing, singing in church, and being surrounded by his family. One of his greatest joys was playing with his great-grandchildren. His unwavering love for the Lord guided him throughout his life, and his faith never wavered. He was an outstanding husband, father, and Papaw, a true example of love, and devotion.

To know Cossie was to know kindness, faith, and devotion to his family, his friends, and his Savior. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy of love, strength, and faith will live on through all who were blessed to know him.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the VA Clinic in Norton, especially his nurse Rebecca Boozer Hall, who showed him so much kindness and love; Kelly Bledsoe, who always went above and beyond to make sure Papaw had everything he needed; and Judy Frye, who shared so much love and support with both Opele and Cossie. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Brian Newberry for his compassionate care and for always treating Cossie with the utmost respect.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Hale, Kodie McCaskill, Cody Adams, Zach Smith, Carol Childress, Brian Duncan, and Danny Odle, with honorary pallbearer Weston McCaskill.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Though our hearts ache, we rejoice in knowing that Cossie has entered his eternal home healed, whole, and resting in the loving arms of his Savior. Until we meet again, his light will continue to shine in the hearts of those he loved.

The family will receive friends Friday, October 17, 2025, 12 P.M. to 2 P.M. at the Sturgill Funeral Home 310 6th Street NW Coeburn, Va. Funeral Services will follow in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Marty Puckett officiating. Military Graveside services will follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery Sandy Ridge Dr. Ralph Stanley HWY Coeburn, Virginia. Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to sign guest register book online. Sturgill Funeral Homes 310 6th Street NW Coeburn, Va. 24230 in charge of arrangements.