ERNEST EUGENE “GENE” HALL

JUNE 19, 1932 — JANUARY 12, 2026

The Rev. Dr.E. Eugene Hall of Champaign, college professor, university president, Baptist preacher, and Episcopal priest, went from this life to life eternal on January 12, 2026, at the age of 93. Born June 19, 1932, in Mansfield, Louisiana, Gene discovered the arts early in life, performing in several Mansfield High School productions before heading off to Louisiana College where he earned his BA in speech and drama. Next came seminary where he married Reba Frances Hobby, and they spent the next 70 years together. After serving as a US Navy chaplain based in Seattle, Gene earned a Masters and Ph.D at Louisiana State University and was a professor at colleges and universities in Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Florida. In the classroom, Gene taught interpretative speech, drama, debate, and homiletics. He directed numerous stage productions and coached award-winning debate teams. Moving into college administration, he served as Dean, Provost, and President.

Gene earned many titles and honors throughout his life, but none more important than “Christian.” As a Baptist minister, he served as pastor, minister of music, and organist in numerous churches. Near the end of his professional career, Gene and Reba joined the Episcopal Church, and he was ordained a priest, serving in the dioceses of Southeast Florida and Springfield, Illinois.

Gene is survived by his wife, Reba Frances Hobby Hall, his sister-inlaw, Ellen Loewer Hall; his children David Alvin Hall (Phyllis) of Birmingham, Alabama; Laurie Ann Hall Bailey (Tim) of Crystal Lake, Illinois; Steven Andrew Hall (Shari) of Champaign, Illinois; 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren stretching from the East Coast to Illinois to Australia. He was also blessed with a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Hall, Sr. and Rose Marie White Hall; his brothers, Glenn Hall, Alvin Hall, Jr., and Jim Hall; his sisters- in-law, Gayle Ryberg Hall and Marie McLean Hall; and Reba’s brother and sister-in-law, Charles Hobby and Claudie Crone Hobby.

A celebration of his life was held at Emmanuel Memorial Episcopal Church on Tuesday, January 20th at 1:30 pm with interment in the Parish Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Gene and Reba may be sent to Emmanuel Memorial Episcopal Church, 208 W University Ave, Champaign, Illinois, 61820.