Lester Haddox
91, Columbia
Because of current COVID concerns, the family will hold a graveside service on Friday, May 1, 2020, in Woodlawn Cemetery with a memorial service to be scheduled at a later date for Lester Haddox, 91, of Columbia, who passed away in the afternoon of April 26 due to complications of a head injury in Hattiesburg in the loving company of his wife.
He was born Feb. 5, 1929, in Marion County. He was the first of three children born to Virgil and Lena Haddox. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi receiving his BS in Business and Accounting in 1950.
He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Columbia for over 65 years. His business accomplishments included former co-owner of Dean Griner Butane Gas Company and owner/operator of WFFF AM/FM radio station (1965-1992). He was also an active supporter of the University of Southern Mississippi. He was President of the USM Alumni Association (1975-1976) and President of the USM Foundation (1984-1985). He was the first person to endow a scholarship at USM and was inducted into the USM Alumni Hall of Fame in 1987.
He loved flying his own plane, traveling in his RV, working in his yard, fishing and driving his grandchildren and great-grandchildren around his property in his "chuck wagon.”
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, G.W. Haddox, and his sister, Edith Duncan.
He leaves behind his best friend and wife of 70 years, Janice Lee Haddox; daughters Lynn Culliver (James), Marla Ellingburg (David) and Laura Manning (Bernie); sons, Lester Haddox Jr. (Nancy) and Keven Haddox (Anne); seven grandchildren, Amber Louviere, Dustin Ellingburg, Amy Haddox, Josh Ellingburg, Amanda Harp, Haley Haddox and Riane Crosby; nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Those wishing to honor him in memory may donate to Columbia First Baptist Church.
Pallbearers were Dustin Ellingburg, David Ellingburg, James Culliver, Bernie Manning, John Louviere and Charlton Haddox. Honorary pallbearers were Josh Ellingburg, Taylor Crosby, Greg Harp, Maurice Ingram, Trey Carley, Wayne Ward, Pat Sanford, Bobby Armstrong, Randy Dyess and Ken Knopp.
Friends may sign an online guest register book at hathornfuneralhome.com.
Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia was in charge of the arrangements.
