James Lee Havard, Sr., 79, died Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at his residence in Natchez, MS. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 14, 2014 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM and continue on Saturday, February 15, 2014, from 1:00 PM until the time of service at 2:00 PM at the Franklin Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Midway Cemetery. Bro. Bernard Waites will be officiating the services. Franklin Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Pallbearers are Eddie Walker, Danny McCloud, Darren David, Timothy Touchstone, Larry Jamison and Frank Wiggins. Honorary pallbearers are Earl Pyle, Malcolm Whitehead, Clarence Simpson and Alex Womack.

Mr. Havard was born July 20, 1934 in Centreville, MS to Luther L. and Ruby Parker Havard. He was a member of the Pioneer Baptist Church. He worked for many years in the timber industry as a logger.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther L. and Ruby Parker Havard; son, James L. Havard, Jr.; daughter, Debra Havard Hart; and grandson, Derrick Havard.

Survivors are his wife of 45 years, Helen Ezell Havard; daughter, Shirley Havard Valentine of Natchez, MS; sons, Terry Havard and wife Angie of McCall Creek, MS, and Randy Havard of Centreville, MS; stepsons, Dewayne, Gary, and Greg Bass all of Brookhaven, MS; sisters, Margaret Durham of Zachary, LA, and Patricia Evans and husband Bub of Woodville, MS; brothers, Sammy Havard and William "Billy" Havard and wife Ruby all of Natchez, MS; grandchildren, 10; great grandchildren, 13; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.