Luther Havard grew up in Lucedale, Mississippi, moving to Prichard, Alabama for his father’s job at the International Paper Company. Luther graduated Murphy High School in 1951, he then joined the United States Air Force to serve in the Korean War. During his time in the service, he would often sing the Merle Haggard song “I turned 21 in Korean doin' life without parole”.
Luther returned after serving his country and married his sweetheart Frankie, who he was married to for 63 years. They moved to Chickasaw where he lived for the next 70 years. He quickly became involved in the community coaching Chickasaw teams in football and baseball, even after Danny finished playing. Luther had a servants heart and was a bright light in the community pouring into the youth and making a positive lasting impact. It was well known that Luther would generate nicknames for all his players, and even family members – humorously these nicknames remain today.
Luther worked at the International Paper Company for 47 years doing the shift work, providing for his family, creating many friends that became like family. Luther was very passionate and lively individual, using his passion he helped steer the Chickasaw community as a City Council member for over 20 years. Luther truly loved the Chickasaw community and we have many stories regarding his care and generosity for others. Luther, a dedicated Christian and a member of Chickasaw First Baptist Church since 1959. He constantly put others before himself. Luther was also a dedicated volunteer at Azalea City Golf Course and Magnolia Golf Course.
Luther is preceded in death by his wife, Frankie Woodyard Havard; parents, Luther and Flora Mason Havard; brothers, Marshall “Hap” Havard and Raymond Havard; and a sister, Ruth Thomley.
He is survived by a son, Danny (Terri) Havard and a daughter, Teresa (David) Lewis; grandchildren, Christin (Jamie) Ferguson, Suzanne (Dusty) Lewis, Cody Havard, Lauren (Jacob) Lewis, Trevor (Blakeley) Lewis, Cole (Hadley) Havard; great grandchildren, Ty and Luke Ferguson, Parker, Paisley, Preston and Paxton Lewis, Kipton and Lottie Lewis, Griffin and Jessie Havard, Stella Lewis and almost here, Haven Lewis. He is also survived by a special friend, Catherine Martin, and many relatives and friends.
Visitation for Luther will be held at Radney Funeral Home – Mobile on Thursday, May 23, 2024 form 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Funeral Service will be celebrated in the Chapel of the funeral home at 12 noon. Interment will follow in Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Mobile, Alabama.
