Born December 12, 1934, in Lucedale Mississippi, Henry Clay Havard went to be with the Lord on Dec. 10, 2023. The son of Bessie and Henry Havard of Mobile, Alabama, he is predeceased by his parents, and older sisters Glenda Jordan, Waunvis Brown, and Alda Kerr.
Clay grew up in Mobile Alabama and graduated from Murphy High School. Afterwards he served in the US Air Force for four years prior to attending the University of Alabama. While in the Air Force, he worked in air traffic control and was stationed in Korea after the Korean War, thereafter he was stationed in Kansas and Massachusetts. Following Air Force active duty, Clay served in the Air Force Reserves and graduated from the University of Alabama with a BS in Pre Medicine.
He married Patricia Reynolds Havard on Aug. 4, 1962, at St. James Church in Fairhope. Clay is survived by his wife of 61 years Patty, and two sons of whom he was most proud. Dr. Byron Havard (Jeannie) is a professor at the University of West Florida. Matthew Havard (Lisa) is the HR Director with Advance Local. Clay is survived by grandchildren Kenneth Casey, Isabell Havard, and Claire Havard of Fairhope, and Sarah Havard of Navarre Florida.
Clay will be interred in the St. James Memorial Garden. A service for the family was held in the chapel at St. James Episcopal Church on Mon., Dec. 18, at 10:00 am. All were welcome at the reception immediately following in Green Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Church or a charity of your choice. Clay and Patty appreciate the love, care, and concern of their family, friends, and fellow St. James members during his lengthy illness.
