GRAND CHAIN, Ill. Raymond E. Hale, 82, of Grand Chain, died Monday, Aug. 25, 1996, at Southgate Nursing Home in Metropolis.

He was the son of John and Emma Wilson Hale. He first married Dora Millspaugh, who died in 1977. He later married Reba Kotter.

Hale was a retired auctioneer. He had served as county commissioner, mayor of Grand Chain, Democratic county chairman, and had been a delegate to the National Democratic Committee.

He also has served on Pulaski County Housing Authority, Shawnee Development Council, Grand Chain and Century School Boards.

Hale was a member of First Christian Church, Oasis Shrine Club, Masonic Lodge 665, and Order of Eastern Star 710.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Paula Cousar of Covington, Tenn., Virginia George of Grand Chain; a stepdaughter, Judy Wright of Karnak; a stepson, Barnard Kotter of Karnak; two sisters, Wanda Pang of Tamms, Irene Webb of Alton; a brother, Luther Hale of Marengo; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, granddaughter, sister and brother.

Friends may call at Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak from 5-9 p.m. today. Masonic and Eastern Star service will be at 7.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Revs. Mike Heston and Steven Heisner officiating. Burial will be in Masonic Cemetery.