Harold "Hal" Bennett Wofford

Harold “Hal” Bennett Wofford was welcomed into Heaven on Easter Sunday April 12, 2020. Hal was born in Cleveland, TN on March 16, 1971 to Harold and Marjorie Wofford and sisters Lisa and Sara. A very special gift from God, perfect in every way. Hal instantly became the center of our hearts and world. Even in infancy there was a certain charm to him. Born with Dwarfism, Hal had to adapt to a lot of things, and adaptations were made for him so that he could live life to the fullest. And did he ever! Hal embraced all of life’s challenges and accomplished milestones that were so much harder for him, yet he persevered. From the first time he stood on his own, took his first steps, and when he was able to ride a bicycle, he found a sense of freedom that most take for granted. He could often be seen flying on his bicycle with his very special neighborhood friends.
In 1987 our family learned that a Dr. in Orlando Florida was doing some ground breaking surgeries to help children with Dwarfism by lengthening their legs. God moved mountains to make that happen and Hal was the third child in the U.S. to have this surgery. Hal lived at the Harry-Anna Elks Children’s Hospital in Umatilla, FL for a year and a half while recuperating. He gained a life changing five and a half inches in height. And, in the nature that was Hal, gained some life long friends during his stay there.
As Hal transitioned from his bicycle to learning to drive, his love for driving and traveling never ended. One of his favorite things to do was to get in “Six” and take a ride around town. Hal liked to nickname his vehicles!
Hal had many hobbies in life. Collecting anything Phillip’s 66 related. His love for collecting old photos and postcards of Cleveland, TN was due in part to a very special friend and fellow brother’s love for the same. His love for the game of Chess, due in part to his bond with a very special cousin. He loved many TV shows and maybe none so much as the “Walking Dead” and had created a Facebook Group dedicated to followers who could share their love of the show and their viewpoints. As always Hal mad many friends within this group. Upon learning of his passing, they renamed the group in memory of him. Within his regular Facebook account, he had many dear friends as well who often checked in daily to see his crazy, humorous and uplifting posts.
Hal had many things in this life he loved, none more dear than his family and friends and equally his work life, for it was there that he so proudly worked alongside his Pop for over 30 years, much to his Pop’s delight. His Mom and Pop were immensely proud of him, as was his whole family. Early on you could find Hal working with Dad at the family owned Phillip’s 66 Service station. After returning home from Elks Children’s Hospital, Dad had changed the business to a tire company where Hal worked again with his Pop. They worked together like a “well oiled machine” and according to a friend, they could change a set of tires “Nascar fast”. Hal also enjoyed a part time job a McDonald’s on APD – 40 where he took orders and greeted people in the drive through window. He made some very special friends there as well.
To those blessed to have known Hal, they knew his heart was made of purest gold. His love for others, bottomless. His sense of humor was endless, his wit sharp, serving him in his goal to always uplift others. His smile and love for life was infectious. His personality, in the words of a friend, GIANT.
Nothing in this life is more precious and dear than our relationship with God, family and friends. The multitude of friends that Hal made along the way is testament to a life well lived.
Hal had a strong Christian faith and was a member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church. He was an active member of the Odd Fellows Lodge No. 97 I.O.O.F. of Cleveland, TN.
Hal was preceded in death by his father, Harold Wofford Sr., paternal grandparents Edgar and Annie Wofford, maternal grandparents Malcolm and Chauncey King, uncles Larry Wofford, Sam Wofford and James King, aunt, Mary King, cousins, Chris Blansit, Robert Wofford and Pat Nations, and close friend Darrin Swafford.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his mother Marjorie Wofford, sisters, Lisa Nave and husband Wes, Sara Crisp and husband Rick. Aunts, Julia King, Faye King, Martha Wofford Smith and husband Tim, and Faye Wofford Hughes. Uncles, Dale Wofford and wife Gayle, Jerry Wofford and wife Vola. Countless cousins and good friends and a very special friend, Mitchell Kinder and his family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church c/o David Frederick, Treasurer; 808 Steed Street NW; Cleveland, TN 37311.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date, when the restrictions due to the Covid-19 Virus are lifted.
You are encouraged to share a memory of Hal and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland is honored to assist his family with these arrangements.