Dr. Fred Doris Hall Jr.

Dr. Fred D. Hall, age 78, of Chapel Hill, peacefully passed away at his home on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

Born on September 17, 1947, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Fred was the son of the late Fred D. Hall, Sr. and Johnnie Mae Clark. A soldier, scholar and educator, he served as an Associate Professor of Sociology at Shaw University until his retirement, leaving a legacy of intellectual curiosity and mentorship.

Fred’s passions were as vibrant as his personality. He enjoyed racquetball, studying scripture, listening to music, and spending countless hours researching at the Chapel Hill Public Library, where he was affectionately known as the “Mayor of the Library.” He found joy in writing poetry and had a special gift for helping parents discover the meanings behind their children’s names.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary “Te Te” Elizabeth Cruz, and his stepmother Lillian Hall.

Fred leaves behind his beloved wife of 57 years, Lawanda Rainey-Hall; his children Amanda Hall, Victor Hall (Merav), and Darice Hall; and three cherished grandchildren: Alexandra, Avi, and Freddy. He is also survived by his brothers Larry Hall, Dwayne Hall, and Rodney Johnson; sisters Janice Kipkin, Vicki Young, Tonya Johnson, and Kim Johnson Jolly; and the extended Windley, Rainey, and Shelton families, along with a host of nieces and nephews who will carry his memory forward.

A memorial celebration of Fred’s life will be held at the Horace Williams House in Chapel Hill on October 18th, 2025, at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in his honor to Habitat for Humanity or the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill.