VCU news

Dr. Thomas O. Hall Jr., Virginia Commonwealth University professor emeritus, died Monday. He was 85.

A longtime pastor and academic, Dr. Hall joined Richmond Professional Institute, the precursor to VCU, as an adjunct professor. He was soon tasked with developing a department of philosophy and religious studies, which he chaired for 17 years. Dr. Hall left the department when the opportunity arose to develop the university’s honors program, of which he became the first director.

Dr. Hall so loved teaching and the university that he requested to be buried in his academic robe, wearing his VCU tie and pin.

Dr. Hall was graduated summa cum laude by Hampden-Sydney College in 1945. He was a cadet in the Navy chaplaincy training program at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Ga., and at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Divinity, Master of Theology and Doctor of Theology degrees, all with honors, from Southwestern.

During his career, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia awarded Dr. Hall the Outstanding Faculty of the Year award. At VCU, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award, in recognition of his years of dedication and service, and a Student Organization Award. The College of Humanities and Sciences established a scholarship in his name for Honors College students.

He is survived by his wife, Mabel Grooms Hall; son, Thomas O. Hall III; brothers Rev. Bruce A. Hall and James C. Hall; uncle, Leon Anderson; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in the Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home chapel in Florence, S.C., at 11 a.m. on July 23. Graveside services will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to the Thomas O. Hall Jr. Honors Scholarship Fund, Virginia Commonwealth University, Office of University Advancement, Box 842039, 909 Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23284.

For more information, visit http://www.legacy.com/TimesDispatch/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=130147778.