Christopher T. Hale of Port Haywood, Virginia, died Wednesday, September 21, 2016.

He is survived by loving parents, Earle and Meta of Richmond, Virginia; brother, Matt and his wife Rene; his sister, Sharon and her husband Randy, and his sister, Kathy, who lives in California. Chris is also survived by his children: daughter, Ashleigh, and son, Christopher.

Christopher served four years in the Army protecting his country, then studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. He used his cooking skills as Chef while working on oil platforms off the California coast and as Chief Steward with the Merchant Marine when he sailed to the Gulf War zone several times in support of the troops. Chris later used his skills in support of the Knights of Columbus and Francis de Sales with their fundraisers: i.e., Texas BBQ, Oktoberfest and the St. Patrick’s Day KOC dance, to mention a few. Chris was also a talented mechanic and was eager to pass his wisdom to his son and grandson.

Chris and his wife, Claudia, met while they sailed together on the military ships. They were together 17 years and married for 12 years. From the combined families, he also left behind daughters, Charity and Shara and son, Jeromey and 10 grandchildren from his wife’s side.

The family would like to thank anyone that may have sent flowers and appreciate all gestures of condolences as a contribution to the Heart Association in Christopher’s memory. Contributions may also be made to the participants of the upcoming Jump Rope for Heart Program.

The family received friends on Tuesday, September 27, 2016, at 9 a.m. at Francis de Sales Catholic Church. A Mass was held at 10 a.m.

Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home, Mathews, Virginia, was in charge of the arrangements.