In 1975, Hal retired from acting and left Hollywood. He returned home to Opp, Alabama to start his writing career.
Hal is buried at Peaceful Acres Cemetery in Opp, Alabama.
Hal is the writer of the off-Broadway plays Three Miles to Poley and Heroes of Opp.
Hal began his acting career on Broadway in the 1950's and stared in a production of Spoon River Anthology in 1963.
Hal served in the United States Navy during World War II.