Rudolph Balentine Hall, Sr. was born December 19, 1941 in Macon, GA to the late Lucious and Pauline Hall. He was the second of seven children and was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Joseph Sr, Donizel and Wayne Hall.

After Rudy’s father finished serving in the military the family decided to move north for better job opportunities, so they moved to Brooklyn, NY. Rudy went to PS 70, JHS 35 and Boys High School where he ran track and played fullback on the football team and was nicknamed “6 O’Clock High”. After High School he joined “The Proud, The Few, The Marines” where he served as an enlisted Marine and worked as a teletype operator. During his time in the Marines, Rudy was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and Camp LeJeune. After serving in the Marines, he returned home, where he met the love of his life, Barbara Simmons. During Barbara and Rudy’s first date they discovered that they share a birthday, which solidified what they already knew, this union was ordained by a higher power. They were married in August of 1965 and were blessed with four children, Joyce, Rodney, Damien, and Rudy Jr.

In 1966 Rudy joined the New York City Police Department (NYPD). During his time with the NYPD, Rudy earned his Associates Degree in Political Science from John Jay College and rose to the rank of Detective Second Grade. In 1986, Rudy was assigned to the prestigious Manhattan North Homicide Squad, where he worked on numerous high profile homicide investigations, some of which were turned into featured films as well as television documentary series. He was also a very active member of the AMVET’s Post 1013, where he served as the Secretary and the Commander.

Upon retiring, Rudy enjoyed road trips South, cruising, and spending time with family. Forever the investigator, Rudy initiated the monumental task of researching his family history and creating a family tree. He was able to create a family tree that dates to 1817 and became the Royal Family Historian. Rudy truly enjoyed finding new relatives across the country and explaining the family genealogy and how they were related. As the family patriarch, Rudy became a permanent fixture at every family reunion, and never missed one. Rudy was extremely disappointed when the pandemic forced the Royal Family to cancel the reunion in 2020 and 2021. In 2021, Rudy expressed concern that his declining health may prevent him from attending another family reunion. Members of the Royal Family across the country agreed that the family needed to come together, if for no other reason, than to honor him. In June 2021, over 100 family members came to Atlanta, GA to honor Rudy and say thank you.

He was a very proud Papa and Great-Grandfather. He loved to travel with his grands and spoiled them. They loved their Papa’s quick wit and sarcasm.

He leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy, his wife of 56½ years, Barbara, Goddaughter Michele, daughter; Joyce (Kevin), sons; Rodney (Angelia), Damien (Rosiland), and Rudy Jr (Annette). His grandchildren, Eboni (Broderick), Romel, Malachi, Micah, Jaiden, Anissa, Rudolph III “Trey”, Kristen, and Kristel. Great-grandchildren; Imari, Serenity, and Justice. His brothers Calvin, and Tim (Donna); and his sister Corita (Marvin); sisters in-law Brenda and Jessie a great host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

We want to say a Special thank you to his medical team, Dr. Thomas Bradley, Dr. Elvira Neculiseanu, nurse; Wilton Wilson and home attendant Tammy McFadden. Your care and beside manner was a blessing.