At the age of 68, Hal Mardis passed away peacefully at his home in Flora, MS on February 20, 2022.

Hal was born on July 4,1953 to "Curly" and Mae Mardis. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1971 and attended Hinds Community College for one year. Hal also graduated from Mississippi State University, where he was an active member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity from 1973-1976.

Hal married the love of his life, Donna Marie Stringer, on August 22, 1980. For 41 1/2 years, they enjoyed raising their two sons, Josh and Scott, traveling, deer hunting, boating, working, going to church, and having valuable family time.

Hal was a member of First United Methodist Church in Clinton, MS for 38 years. Hal was an active member of men's Bible study. These special men began coming to the house when Hal was not able and continued Bible study with their dear friend.

Hal worked with Federated Insurance for 12 years, then became a successful business owner. Hal's dream job was to own a mechanic shop. In 1997, that dream came true and Ridgeland Service Center was where he spent the majority of his time. His love for the customers was very visible, fixing cars came second.

Hal enjoyed two seasons of the year: deer season and boating season. In 1993, the family purchased land in Ebeneezer, MS and called it home from November to January. A lot of memories with Hal are from deer camp. Watching his sons and their friends grow up here made him proud. From May to September, you could find the family on the Ross Barnett Reservior at their home away from home, the houseboat. Hal was always the captain! Family was very important and special to Hal.

In October of 2017, Hal was diagnosed with ALS. His symptoms began a year earlier. Throughout this journey, Hal's faith never quivered, his strength never faulted, and his love was ever present. Hal's focus verse was, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12.

This fit him perfectly! The family asks those who own a Hal's Pals shirt to continue wearing it proudly in Hal's memory and pray a cure is soon found.

Hal's life changed when he became a grandfather on December 5, 2018 to Gage Alan Mardis (his mini me). He was also an honorary grandfather to Dylan (8) and Pierce (6) Turnbow and Conner (4) Sanders. These boys will miss their Paw Paw Hal.

Many caregivers, nurses, and therapists were welcomed in the home and quickly felt loved by Hal. His joyous personality, big contagious smile, and intense level of love were present daily with all who entered. The family thanks all who cared for him through therapy, love, and friendship over the past 5 years.

Hal is preceded in death by his mother, Mae Mardis Holder; his father, R.H. "Curly" Mardis; his in-laws, Fred and Frances Stringer; and niece, Emily Bearden.

Hal is survived by his wife, Donna; son, Josh of Flora, MS; son, Scott (Kimberly) and grandson, Gage all of Flora, MS; brother, David Mardis (Kay) of Marietta, GA; sister, Beth Steverson (Leslie) of Gulfport, MS; sister-in-law, Diane Bearden (Steve) of Clinton, MS; nieces and nephews; and great nieces and great nephews. Hal will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Services for James "Hal" Mardis will be held at First United Methodist Church in Clinton, MS Friday, February 25 with visitation at 12 pm and the celebration of his life at 2 pm. The Graveside service will immediately follow at Parkway Memorial Cemetery in Madison, MS.

Services will be handled by Wright and Ferguson of Clinton, MS.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Hal Mardis to Team Gleason Foundation PO Box 24493 New Orleans, LA 70184 and The Live Like Lou Foundation 2 South Campus Avenue Oxford, OH 45056.