Philip Willard Hall

Philip Willard Hall passed away in Olympia, Washington on January 25, 2012 at the age of 86 years and 10 months. Phil was born on March 14, 1925 in Tacoma, Washington to Willard and Helga (Ostlund) Hall. His family moved to Kelso, Washington where he spent his youth, until moving to Mt. Vernon, WA to finish high school, graduating in 1943. Phil was drafted into the United States Marine Corp in 1943 and completed his military schooling at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. Phil married his childhood sweetheart, Grace M. Hanks on December 10, 1944. In May 1945, he was shipped to the South Pacific where he worked as a radio tower controller during World War II. Upon his discharge from the military, he went to work falling timber to support his young family. In 1949, Phil returned to college at Oregon State University and graduated from their School of Pharmacy in 1953. Upon graduation, he worked at various pharmacy positions until moving to Centralia in 1956 to work for Pickett Drug Center. He purchased the drug store from Ed Pickett in 1959 and grew the business, changing the name to Hall's Drug Center, adding a medical center pharmacy in 1974 and establishing a thriving business. He retired in 1987, selling his pharmacy to family and moving to Hartstine Island where he and Gracie enjoyed fifteen years living on the water, hosting family events and enjoying their many friends. In 2001, they moved to Olympia to be closer to family in their elder years. While Phil had a strong work ethic and instilled that in his family, his love of God and profession to serve him was his first priority. He was a Godly example to his children and grandchildren and his legacy in this respect surpasses anything else he accomplished in this life. He often said "the love of God within my heart will teach me how to do my part." Phil is survived by his wife, Grace of Olympia, Washington with whom he recently celebrated sixty seven years of marriage. He is also survived by his three sons; Ronald Hall of Centralia; Douglas Hall of Tenino; and Steven (Lori) Hall of Woodinville; two daughters, Kathleen (Dennis) Thornton of Tenino; and Patty (Mahlon) Hazelwood of Walla Walla; eleven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his brother John (Phyllis) Hall of Stanwood, several nieces and nephews and a wealth of friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and two grandsons. Funeral services for Phil will be held on Thursday, Feb 2, at 11 AM at Sticklin Funeral Chapel in Centralia with burial to follow at Claquato Cemetery in Chehalis. Viewing will be from 11 AM to 5 PM on Wednesday, February 1 at Sticklin’s. Arrangements are under the direction of Jones and Jones-Betts Funeral Home of Wenatchee. The Hall family would like to thank the staff of Olympia Manor, Clare Bridge and Providence Hospice of Olympia for their care of Phil and support of his family the past few months. Please express your thoughts and memories for the family on the online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com

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Philip Willard Hall

March 14, 1925 - January 25, 2012