Johnny Hall

“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.”

 Psalm 139:17-18

Deacon Johnny Darnell Hall reveal that God's thoughts toward him were evident throughout his earthly journey. A journey that began on July 13, 1951, when Johnny was born in Hamburg, Arkansas, to the late Robert Lee & Josie Hall. An undeniable truth is that his life was replete with circumstances and situations that reflected God’s power to strengthen, stabilize, perfect, and sustain him. Born into a family that exercised faith in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, his life from infancy to adulthood was guided by a set of values and principles that governed his behavior, conduct, and disposition.

He enjoyed a childhood that evoked diverse emotions that ranged from days of happiness intertwined with days of hard work as he carried out his share of daily responsibilities. He was known by many in Hamburg as a well-mannered child whose behavior reflected his upbringing. From riding bicycles with neighborhood friends and relatives to assisting his father with completing chores, he was well-rounded and left a positive impression on many hometown childhood friends and other acquaintances. He created childhood friendships that endured throughout his adulthood.

His early education was received in the Hamburg Education System, Hamburg, Arkansas when he attended the Hamburg Training School. Later, he attended Pine Street High and graduated from Hamburg High School in 1969. After graduation, he continued his education in Little Rock where he attended United Education Institute and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronics. Upon graduation and after a short stint of employment with Baldwin Electronics, Johnny was later employed for 35 years at Diebold Electronics as an ATM Solutions Engineer.

While he was in God's thoughts, God wanted to be in Johnny's thoughts. Shortly after arriving in Little Rock, Johnny heeded the call for a greater spiritual walk and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior by repenting, being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and receiving the Holy Ghost according to Acts 2:38 under the pastorate of the late Bishop Leodies Warren at Christ Temple Pentecostal Church. Continuing steadfast in the faith, he was an active participant in church affairs. He served in various positions including President of the Choir, Sound Engineer, Brotherhood Officer, and Mentor, as well as a volunteer with the Young Adult Opportunity Center in Little Rock, helping various individuals in the community with locating employment. He was also supportive and instrumental in helping provide fellow church members with transportation to local and national conventions. In 1980, he graciously transported some saints to Cincinnati, Ohio, to participate in a National Bible Bowl competition. His faithfulness to the ministry resulted in his ordination as a Deacon. A position he retained at Greater Christ Temple Church under the leadership of Pastor Jerry Warren.

 Fellowship at Christ Temple Church brought not only greater spiritual awareness but also acquaintance with a special lady, Sister Wanda Warren. Stricken with love and understanding the sanctity of marriage, in September 1977 they were joined in holy wedlock. A wedlock that lasted 48 years. This union resulted in six children. Guided by biblical principles, Deacon Hall strived to raise his children in an environment that fostered a desire to walk with the Lord. Yes, he believed the truth of Proverbs 22:15 “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him” as affirmed by six children. A devoted father, he cherished the time he spent with his family. Especially the tradition of attending Mid-Winter and Summer church conventions with the family for joint spiritual enrichment.

While he devoted many hours to involvement in church related activities, Johnny simultaneously enjoyed a variety of other activities. An avid hunter, he enjoyed rabbit hunting. Of equal enjoyment, was his love of fishing for catfish, as it was a favorite dish. He had a passion for rebuilding and restoring antique automobiles. He especially enjoyed camping excursions with the Brotherhood and his sons. To his grandchildren, he was the “toy fixer”. Whether a broken electronic remote control Tonka truck or a Cabbage Patch Doll with a broken arm. Johnny was the go-to guy. Not only was he there to repair toys, but Johnny supported his children’s educational endeavors. If any of the children had school science projects, it was usually evident that the project would be electronics related. He offered his electronic support and assisted his children with many of those science projects. He also supported his son’s sports activities and accompanied the team to many Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball tournaments, which included traveling to Utah, to Arizona, and to Florida. Johnny was perhaps all his children’s greatest cheerleader and encouraged them to give their best in whatever they do.

Yes, God's thoughts toward Johnny were innumerable! For 73 years, God preserved Deacon Johnny Hall with mercy and kindness, while guiding him through some of the most challenging and difficult circumstances of life. His presence during Johnny's life was a constant source of strength and inspiration, a relationship cherished by Deacon Johnny. Faced with unexpected health issues, this fellowship was the rock that anchored Deacon Johnny's faith. Unwavering, Deacon Johnny Hall knew he rested securely in the arms of his Savior, a loving Savior that yet proclaims “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” And, yes, what comforting assurance that when Deacon Johnny is awakened in eternity the Lord himself will be there to escort Deacon Johnny to his heavenly mansion.

Deacon Johnny Hall leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 48 years, Wanda Faye Hall; four daughters – Natasha (Barry) Jefferson; Fatima Mache' (Derrell) Gwynn; Jamila, and Akeivia. Two son - Terrell and Dontarian, seven grandchildren – Xion, Asher, Sarai, Lliam, Deuce, Levi, and Teagan; Two sisters – Ida Dixon and Annie (Vernon) Brent; one brother – James (Carolyn) Hall; and a host of cousins, relatives and friends in Arkansas, California, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico and Texas; the Greater Christ Temple/Greater First Pentecostal Church Families, and the Arkansas State Council of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.