Mr. Cleveland McKenzie Hall (a.k.a. "Kenny")

On November 16, 1939, in the city of Detroit, state of Michigan, Cleveland McKenzie Hall, became the firstborn child of Simon Cleveland and Mary Elizabeth McCrary-Hall. Immediately, he was called "Kenny"and carried that name throughout his personal and professional life. Kenny grew up in a section of Detroit called "The North End," where he attended Balch and Alger Elementary and Hutchins Junior High Schools. His eyes would twinkle whenever he spoke of childhood friends like Cecil Franklin and Smokey Robinson, and how they sand on the street corner until the street lights came on. He would always laugh when he told the story of the never repaid lunch money he loaned Smokey before he made it big with Motown. Kenny was a 1958 graduate of Northern High School and attended Highland Park Community College for one year. In 1959, he joined the U.S. Naval Academy and became a medic until he was released from dual active duty in 1963 and honorably discharged in 1965 from both the Navy and Marines. While in the navy, Billy Henry, one of Kenny's many friends, introduced him to his sister Grace. Unbeknownst to Kenny, Grace's mother, Mia, recognized how nice he was and advised Grace to seriously consider dating him. Mia's excellent advice led to Kenny and Grace marrying in June of 1965. To this union two beautiful daughters were born—Karen DeAnn and Kristin LaShawn. After faithfully serving his country, Kenny began working at Chrysler Corporation's Dodge Main Plant. Wanting a more secure future for he and his family, Kenny enrolled in school to become an X-Ray, Cat Scan and subsequently Nuclear Medicine Technician. He initially trained at Detroit Memorial and Detroit Receiving Hospitals, and worked at both St. Joseph Sisters of Mercy Hospital and Samaritan Health Center, where he retired in 2002. After retirement, he worked a brief time at the Detroit Medical Center-Harper Hospital. As a loving, dedicated and protective husband, Kenny often serenaded his wife, Grace, by singing the Temptations "My Girl," which ultimately became their favorite song. As an equally loving, dedicated and protective father, Kenny worked multiple jobs, to ensure that his daughters not only attended the better schools, but also never went without any of life's basic necessities. It was not uncommon for him to leave work early to attend his daughters' school activities, only to return to complete his work shift after the event was over. Kenny never met a stranger and held all of his friends close especially those from elementary school. He was the glue that kept all friends and special coworkers together throughout the years. Because of Kenny's "North End" experience growing up, his knowledge of that part of the city and the people in it, made him a historian of sorts. You could ask him any question and he would give you the answer. If you gave him an answer, he would challenge you with a question. He was also a music aficionado, that loved "Pure" jazz and today's R&B. In high school, he marched in the marching band while playing a used alto saxophone his parents sacrificed to purchase for him. He played the same sax when he and his high school friends made a “78" vinyl record, that no one ever heard! That same "vintage instrument" was handed down to his sister and then his nephew, Benjamin IV, who also used it while they were in school. Kenny loved fishing, playing bid whist, going to the casino and spending time with his family--especially his three granddaughters. It was amazing to see him coordinate same day travel to multiple Casinos to pick up his "free gift," and still be on time to pick up his granddaughters from school. He had an infectious sense of humor that kept everyone in his presence laughing. Nothing ever seemed to phase him. He was one of a kind and will surely be missed.

Mr. Cleveland McKenzie Hall (a.k.a. "Kenny")

November 16, 1939 - June 5, 2013