Luther (Luke) Emerson Hall

Luther (Luke) Emerson Hall of Iuka, past International Vice President of the Amalgamated Transit Union, died at his home Monday, April 28, 2014, after a long illness. He was 78.
Born Nov. 19, 1935 in rural Tishomingo County, Mr. Hall moved to Memphis as a teen and worked his way through the ranks to head the 190,000-member transit union representing locals across the United States and in Canada. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) represents bus, van, subway and light-rail operators, as well as clerks, baggage handlers and maintenance employees in urban transit.
Mr. Hall began his long career as a bus driver with the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) in 1961. Known for being tough but fair, he served as Vice President, President, and eventually becoming Business Agent/Financial Secretary-Treasurer of ATU Local 713 in 1974. After over 20 years serving at the local union, he was elected to the office of International Vice President in 1986. He was well versed in the daily concerns of the members and was re-elected International Vice President again five successive times.
Mr. Hall traveled extensively for the ATU, but never lost his southern accent or appreciation for the local workers. He retired in 2002 to Iuka. Called “Luke” by friends, he loved his family, Hank Williams music, many dogs and antique clocks.
Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, from 6-8 PM at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka. Services are scheduled at 11 AM, Wednesday, April 30, at the Iuka United Methodist Church officiated by the Reverend Jon Kaufman. Entombment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Cutshall Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
Mr. Hall married his high school sweetheart, the former Virginia Sue Sanders of Iuka, on June 10, 1955. Other survivors include three children: Brian Hall (Lana) of Marion, Ark.; Sherrie Hobock of Collierville, TN.; Brent Hall (Teresa) of Lebanon, TN.; three grandchildren, Ashley Hall of Marion, AR, Collin Hall and Chloe Hall of Lebanon, TN; one great-grandchild, Zoee Hall of Marion, AR; and a sister, Shirley Pearson (George) of Iuka.
He was the son of the late James Bryant and Carrie Lou Hall. His other siblings included two brothers, the late Clayton Hall and Lewis Hall, and three sisters, the late Ruth Marlar, Juanita Autry and Jewell Braddock.
Pallbearers are Collin Hall, Jackie Bryant, Scotty Skinner, Elmer Hunt, John White, and Web Robinson
Memorials should be sent to Iuka United Methodist Church, 1010 East Eastport Street, Iuka, MS, 38852, or New Leash On Life, 511 West Baddour Parkway, Lebanon, Tenn., 37087.