Thomas Haffey Sr.

Thomas Haffey, Sr.

Ebenezer

Thomas Edwin Haffey, Sr., owner of Horseshoe-Crescent Farms, passed away at his residence in Ebenezer, that he fondly referred to as "Haffey's Kingdom," on August 30, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. Thomas, affectionately known as "Bumps," a nickname he acquired in his youth, was born March 16, 1917. He was a cradle Catholic and a devoted member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. He reared all his children in the Catholic faith, and that faith was so strong, that all of the spouses of his children converted to Catholicism. Thomas was the ultimate family man, always putting his family first. He was well respected in the community for his values, integrity, dry wit and kind and generous spirit.

Visitation for Thomas will be from 10:00-11:00 September 1st at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church Parish Hall in Lexington, MS, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 in the church. Pall bearers will be Billy Burwell, Thomas P. Haffey, Eddy Murtagh, Webb O'Reilly, Sam Sample, and Buster White. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Thomas Church, 200 Boulevard, Lexington, MS 39095.

Thomas married his "Sugar Plum," Helen Branch, in 1940. They were lifelong sweethearts and would have celebrated 74 wonderful years of marriage December 3, 2014.

Three months after his first son was born, Thomas was separated from his family to serve in the European Theater of Operations of the U.S. Army in the 445th Anti-aircraft Artillery Battalion. During World War II, he received many decorations and citations for bravery and exemplary performance of duties.

Following the war, Thomas began farming in Ebenezer raising beef cattle, cotton, soybeans, and corn. During his farming career, he served for many years on the Holmes County Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service as a member and Chairman. He loved the soil and was rewarded for his efforts by being voted Farmer of the Year, Champion Corn Grower, and Most Balanced Farmer.

Thomas retired from raising row crops in 1982 and concentrated on his cattle farming until his 80th birthday. He then enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening until the age of 96.

Thomas had four sons and two daughters whom he loved with all his heart and was devastated to lose three of his sons, Michael Keith "Mike", James Leo "Jimmy", and Charles Patrick "Pat." He is survived by his wife, Helen; his son, Thomas Edwin "Tommy", Jr. (Bonnie); his daughter, Alice Anne (Earl) Sisco of Madison; and Helen Theresa (Charlie) Brock of Madison. He is also survived by his grandchildren Heather Clark, Mollie Haffey, Holly Smith, Jim Haffey, Thomas P. Haffey, Anna Boxberger, and Caitlin Brock, plus eleven great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild with another due in September. Thomas' legacy will live on through his autobiography written in 2004, "The Life of T. E. Haffey."

The family would like to especially thank the Hospice Sta-Home nurses, plus Josephine Haymon, Lee Andrew Watson, and Lillie Southern who helped care for Thomas in and around the home.