Celebration of Life to Honor William Randall Hall Scheduled for Oct. 3 at Sunset Ellis Drive-In
By Julie Perine on August 29, 2020
A celebration of the life of William Randall Hall will be held 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 at Sunset Ellis Drive-In Theater in Shinnston.
The former high school band director and well-known area musician passed away July 21.
Hall began his career in 1958 as student band teacher at Roosevelt Wilson High School. He went on to become the East Fairmont High School band director, music professor at West Liberty College and band director at schools in Maryland and New Jersey. He returned to Harrison County in 1972 to serve as Bridgeport High School band director through 1985 before working at Washington Irving and Central Middle schools. His bands received consistent superior ratings. After his 1988 retirement, he taught part-time at Alderson-Broaddus College and Fairmont State University. Hall also taught countless students through private lessons and performed with many musical groups, duos and combos – some very well known. Read Hall’s full obituary HERE.
The celebration of life is organized by “Friends of Randall Hall” and offers opportunity for former band students, fellow musicians and all others to pay tribute to his life.
“Just drive in,” said Mike Hess, co-organizer. “There will be comments made and stories shared by family and former students, along with video presentations.”
All are invited to take the podium and share tributes and/or send photos to Hess to be included in videos. Those photos can be sent to mikehess26330@gmail.com.
The Sunset Ellis Drive-In, which provides good 
opportunity for social distancing, was offered by owner Anthony Ellis, who has a long musical history with Hall. Through the years, he and Hall also had many opportunities to visit at Sunset Ellis Restaurant.
opportunity for social distancing, was offered by owner Anthony Ellis, who has a long musical history with Hall. Through the years, he and Hall also had many opportunities to visit at Sunset Ellis Restaurant.
“Music was his life and love. And Randall was one of our preferred customers. He loved our spaghetti and breakfast,” Ellis said. “We always had an interesting session – discussing his high school band days, playing with big bands in New York, playing for Broadway shows, his sax quartet at Fairmont, playing at different locations with his favorite guitar player. I could go on and on. He will never be forgotten; what a distinguished and impressive legend.”
The Ellis family will provide concessions. Volunteers are needed to facilitate. Contact Hess at the email address above or text 304-290-2627.
