Hal Misenheimer

October 26, 1934 – December 31, 2022

In the early afternoon hours of December 31, 2022, Hal Misenheimer enjoyed two Krispy Kreme doughnuts, a few sips of whiskey, and his final episode of Gun Smoke. That evening, this modern-day cowboy quietly succumbed to the slings and arrows of cancer and dementia. By his side, and holding his hands, were his wife and daughter. Shortly before passing, he told them both that he was "ready to go home". It is tough to imagine a better way to exit this earth.

For 88 years, those close to the man thought he was indestructible. Hal had previously survived a heart attack, an unknown illness that left him non-responsive for days, and a fight with a Freightliner truck. Through it all, he never admitted to having a bad day, rarely admitted to feeling pain, and simply refused to complain. Hal was tougher than any of those cowboys depicted in the westerns he loved to watch.

Hal initially made a living as a butcher, and then as a truck driver. Though not a doctor, he doled out "medical" advice every now and then. One such occasion stands out above the rest. After fishing with his grandson one morning, Hal was cleaning the catch when he suffered what some call a "catfish sting" (one of the fins punctured his hand). The pain lasted for days. When he could no longer deny that the wound was infected, Hal reluctantly agreed to see a professional. However, upon reaching the hospital he continued to argue that "the fuss" was unnecessary and maintained that he was only present to appease his wife. A well-trained physician decided that Hal was suffering from cellulitis, a rare complication from handling catfish. Antibiotic treatment was ordered. However, Hal initially refused and claimed that the good doctor was just "running up the bill" (a criticism that he often levied against the medical profession). Hal further explained that the prescribed treatment was simply not necessary in this case, because immediately after the injury occurred, he had "rubbed the wound on the fish's ***hole" (apologies for the language, but that is what he said). Through the laughter, Hal persisted in claiming that this treatment was sufficient. The men reached a stalemate and the doc left the room. Shortly thereafter he returned to admit that he had researched the matter and determined that rubbing the wound on the underbelly of the catfish may have actually conveyed some benefit. Nevertheless, the order for antibiotics remained in place. Hal reluctantly complied.

Fishing, hunting and gardening were just a few of Hal's favorite hobbies. He made a mean cheese dip. No holiday meal was complete without a side of "papaw's slaw". Hal was an avid NASCAR fan. At age 77, he even climbed into a race car and pushed the limits of common sense by reaching 130 mph on the straightaway at Charlotte Motor Speedway. That day he seemed to summon a much younger version of himself who years ago had raced motorcycles on the beach. During calmer moments, Hal thoroughly enjoyed watching his grandchildren compete in horse shows and ball games. He became zen-like when working in his raised beds, which were among the best in the county.

Need a sunroom built on the back of the house? Hal could do that. He worked on minor construction projects into his 80's. In fact, for his 80th birthday he was gifted a ladder. Bet you don't know many octogenarians that are still repairing roofs. Hal was that guy. He could fix your car, and your tractor too. He enjoyed the work. It's a good thing, because most of his repairs were accompanied by an unintentional mishap - which required additional repair. Through it all, no one ever caught him googling a "how to" video or reading an instruction manual of any kind. Somehow, he just knew what to do, or he figured it out. Chalk it up to a breadth of life experience.

Hal loved to talk politics, though he never met an honest politician. He would say "they are all out to screw the working man". Likewise, lawyers weren't to be trusted - with perhaps one exception (perhaps). He valued hard work and honesty. We could use more like him.

Hal did not want a funeral, or ceremony of any kind. He often joked that his body should be "donated to science". Perhaps the "scientists" should take a closer look. If his energy could somehow be bottled and sold, the world would be a better place.

Hal was dearly loved by his wife, Sandra; daughter, Casey; son-in-law, Chad; granddaughter, Lucy; grandson, Wade; and many more. He will be missed and mourned. But today, please join us in celebrating the incredible life of Hal Misenheimer.