William Roy Havard

William Roy Havard, known to his family and friends as Roy, Daddy, or his favorite title of all, Pawpaw, was born on September 1, 1957, in Centreville, Mississippi. He was the youngest son of Murdoch Havard Sr. and Mary Shuckrow Havard of Gloster, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Scooter Havard of Gloster.

Roy is survived by his two sons, John Benjamin Havard and his wife, Fran, and James Andrew Havard and his wife, Ashton; his brothers, Rickey Havard and Murdoch Havard Jr.; and the mother of his two sons and longtime friend, Sue Rollins Wells. He was a proud grandfather to Katelyn Havard Stevens, Madison Havard, John Rollins Havard, Mary Frances Havard, Fletcher Havard, and Ann Rollins Havard. He was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Rhett, Sutton, William Jennings, Lottie Kate, and Carter.

A member of Centreville Baptist Church, Roy valued his faith and his deep roots in the community. He was a registered forester and spent many years working in the timber industry, a career that reflected his knowledge of and appreciation for the outdoors. He later worked as a pipeline surveyor and supervisor, traveling to job sites throughout the United States. Throughout his professional career, Roy brought experience, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility to his work, helping ensure the safety of those around him. If you knew Roy, you knew he never met a stranger. His travels allowed him to form countless lifelong friendships, and he left a lasting impression on people everywhere he went.

Roy was an avid outdoorsman who especially enjoyed hunting, with turkey hunting holding a special place in his heart. His love for the outdoors was something he carried throughout his life. He also had a lifelong passion for competitive sports. He coached many athletes over the years and truly loved being part of the game. Baseball held a particularly special place in his heart. For many years, he served as an umpire at the Little League park in Gloster, generously giving his time to the game and the young players who took the field. He also refereed high school football for many years and loved sharing the many stories and memories he made along the way. Whether coaching, umpiring, or refereeing, Roy found joy in being involved and making a difference in the lives of others.

Above all, Roy's greatest joy in life was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Being Pawpaw was a role he cherished more than any other. Whether he was taking them hunting or fishing, spending time together, or enjoying one of their special sushi dates, he treasured every moment with them. It didn't matter what they were doing or where they were going; what mattered most was that he was with them. He took immense pride in each of them and loved being a part of their lives. The memories they made together will be treasured for generations. “Pawpaw” was the title he wore with all the love in his heart.

Roy will be remembered for his love of family, faith, humor, appreciation for the outdoors, passion for sports, and his ability to make a friend wherever life took him. But most of all, he will be remembered as a father, brother, Pawpaw, and friend who loved deeply and left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Though he will be missed beyond words, his stories, laughter, lessons, and the countless memories he created will live on through the generations of family he loved so dearly.

May he rest in peace.

Funeral Services

Funeral services for William Roy Havard will be held in Gloster, Mississippi, under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, with funeral services following at 2:00 p.m.

Pallbearers

Casmeron Jackson, Clay Poole, Jackson Stevens, John Rollins Havard, Caleb Boesch, and Jason Scott.

Honorary Pallbearers

Rusty Lipscomb, Ruel Seneca, Billy Finch, Matthew Wells, Charlie Howell, David McGraw, Pat Conerly, Terry Nicholas, and Matt Hardin.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Roy's memory to either of the following: Centreville Baptist Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital