The National Office has received information that longtime Tennessee ASA-USA Softball member, Howard Dwayne Hale, passed away on June 23, 2026, at the age of 80. Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Howard Dwayne Hale (1945–2026)
A lifelong resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee, he devoted more than three decades of service to the sport of softball through USA Softball, formerly the Amateur Softball Association (ASA). As a member of USA Softball of Tennessee for 30 years, Hale played a vital role in the administration and continued growth of amateur softball throughout the state, working alongside local associations, volunteers and tournament directors to strengthen opportunities for athletes of all ages.
His unwavering dedication to USA Softball and his lasting contributions to the sport were recognized in 2017 when he was inducted into the USA Softball Hall of Fame, an honor he cherished deeply. Throughout his years of service, Hale became a respected leader within the USA Softball family. His commitment to the organization, passion for the game and willingness to support players, officials and fellow administrators left a lasting impact on softball throughout Tennessee and across the country.
Outside of softball, Hale served 25 years with the Tennessee Department of Education in the Transportation Division and was a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard. He was also a successful entrepreneur and longtime concession operator in the Chattanooga area, where his outgoing personality and dedication to serving others made him a familiar face throughout the community.
Hale is survived by his former wife and lifelong best friend, Donna Hale; his daughters, Lisa (Christian) Bennett, Amanda Hale Smith and Callie Anne Hale; his son, Howard Hale Jr.; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Hale’s decades of leadership, service and commitment to USA Softball will be remembered by the many athletes, officials, volunteers and administrators whose lives he touched. His legacy will continue to live on throughout the softball community he helped build.