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Harry Thomas Haley
1953 - 2011
Harry Thomas Haley
1953 - 2011
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1953
DIED
2011
Harry Haley Obituary
1953-2011
Harry Thomas Haley passed away on May 11, 2011, at the age of 57. Harry was born in Pensacola, Florida on September 16, 1953.
Harry was preceded in death by his wife Cheryl (Cheri) Busby, his brother James N Haley. He is survived by his parents James and Catherine Haley, his sisters Patricia Westfall (Robert), Tammy McCracking (Tom), his daughters Shawn Clapper and Jessica Hanner, his son-in-law Reed Clapper, Sr. his grandchildren, Cailya Forsyth (Richard), Reed "Pnut" Clapper II, and Caden Hanner, and his great-granddaughters Cadince and Emma Forsyth. He had countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as many friends, who he loved dearly, that will miss him terribly.
Harry was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He married the love of his life, soul-mate and best friend, Cheri, 39 years ago. And today they are joined together again. Harry will always be remembered for his outgoing personality and generosity to others. He never met a stranger, and always made people feel good about themselves. He gave unconditional love, comfort, aid and his generous heart to anyone in need. Harry's career was with MMR, Inc (OSHEA certified Safety), C. H. Construction Workforce and Haley's Lighting Sound, which he owned and operated. And he also played in Judkin Mills Band. And he was awarded the 2011 National Gold Seal Safety award for Project over $100million this past January.
Visitation will be from 4-7pm Sunday May 15, 2011 at Faith Chapel on Brent Lane with a rosary at 5:30pm. Funeral services will be at 10:00am Monday May 16, 2011 at St Anne's Catholic Church on Saufley Field Rd with Father John Licari officiating. Burial to follow in the City of Milton Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Steve Hitchcock, Larry Preble, Rocky Boyd, C.J. McCracking, Steve Tassin, Bobby Jernigan, James "Lil Jimmy" Haley and M&M. Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Pkwy, is in charge of arrangements.
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Mike Lawson
May 9, 2023
I ain´t forgot to know ya Harry and all you Haley´s that helped me in the earliest days of my music career. You´re all an important part of my story and I´m better for having known you all.
To a friend,
Jimmy Garner
May 25, 2011
It’s the last journey Harry, take it easy! I was there in the creation of Lightning Sound and 10-years with him and Davis Pawn Shop. Did it all with you and the gang and family. There is lots of memory’s that will never fade away as our bodies do. Peace to all!
May 19, 2011
Harry was a great guy and good friend to me long ago, he and Cheri were made for each other and now there together again. I am going to miss you buddy we had some fun time back in the day running the streets in your VW bus and getting into all kinds of stuff. Those were the days my friend. We'll meet again one day Rest in Peace Harry..... Gary Chavis Daphne Al.
Kristina Kyser Hyde
May 19, 2011
Uncle Harry,
the world is a little darker since you left, but you followed the light home to be with your brother and aunt Cheri. Play us some good music up there just know we love you and miss you dearly.
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gary & donna Bajzik
May 18, 2011
So sorry to hear of Harry's passing, it aches my heart not to have been able to say goodbye and give him the respect he was entitle. I remember the days back in the early 70's riding home with him and Cheri from school in his old blue & white vw van, with their first child on the way. Not to mention the years since then, he was always happy to see me when I dropped in, on him unexpected. it was great when he was working with a contractor putting in conveyors at the news journal where I worked and we could joke around everyday. Prayers go out to the family and friends, I will always keep Harry and his family in my heart. ( red-dog )
Dale Hawthorne
May 18, 2011
Harry was a great man with kind words and would give you the shirt off his back. He would always have a smile on his face.He give me the world of stagehand work and so much more... Miss you my Friend R.I.P. See You on other side...
ricky peeterse
May 18, 2011
To,a vary out going,and generous all time friend; Harry Haley, was one, of the most friendliest ,and nicest friend I ever knew. Harry was a unconditionally, nice friend to me. He always, had a friendly smile, and would speak before I could, I will miss him surrolly, I am so sorry I,missed his service, I hope, you all will trforgive me,I just didn't think,I could handle it , he was always so fri endly to me and a true friend to me,I will really,really miss him,Because this world doesn't have friends like Harry. May, God be with all, of you and Bless you all.Good by Harry, your in Gods hands now. Richard Peeterse,[ ricky ]
David Teague
May 17, 2011
You were truly a rare gentleman loved by nearly everyone you came in contact with. Rest in Peace old friend.
Trisha Westfall
May 17, 2011
Harry....my sweet, wonderful brother, I will love you forever.
Trisha
sammy atkins
May 16, 2011
to my cousin who always made you feel good, never a sour word always smiling and speaking with kindness, rest in peace cuz
paul jackson
May 16, 2011
i was in california when i heard of harrys passing. he is a man i will never forget. he helped me get turned onto music. i bought my first guitar from him. he was such a great person to know. thank you harry for being you, you will be missed!
Frances Simmons-Walters
May 16, 2011
Mr. & Mrs. Haley, Patricia and Tammy, I was saddened to hear of Harry's passing. He was such a good person and I know a wonderful son. God Bless you all.
Jason Carnley
May 16, 2011
I am so sorry to hear about Harry. My Mom just let me know that he had passed away or I would have been there. Again, I am so sorry.
David Cote
May 16, 2011
We are all going to miss Harry very much,
best wishes to the family.
David Cote (Most Wanted Band)
May 16, 2011
God Bless to all my family in Pensacola. My thougthts and prayers were with you today. When I saw Harry's beautiful smile in the photograph it made me realize how special he was to all of us. Because I believe in paradise I know that Harry,my sweet cousin is standing with Jesus, his beautiful wife, Maw Maw French, Aunt Rosina, Aunt Weezie, and the whole gang. Harry had a beautiful soul and cared so deeply for his family and friends. When I go out tonight I will find the brightest star- for that will be Harry"s smile. My love to all of you, Shawn, Jessica, Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Catherine, Trish and Tammy. Sissy -Natchez Ms
Faith/Linzie Stephens
May 16, 2011
We love you all. Mr. Haley will be remember for what a good hearted man he was.
Love always
Faith and Linzie
Frank Patti, Jr.
May 16, 2011
Gretchen and I send our sincere condolences to the Haley family. We would have attended the services, but we were out of town. It was always a pleasure to be with Harry. He worked with us at Patti Shipyard in the early 90's wiring the gambling boats for sound. I'll never forget the special favors he did for me to attend backstage concert rehearsals. The last time I saw Harry was the best, it was a surprise visit from him at my 50th 'B'day party, which made the occasion very special for me. He will be missed, but the good times (working and playing) will not be forgotten.
Mac&Cindy McCraney
May 16, 2011
Cindy and I were truly saddened to hear of Harry's passing. He was a great friend and really helped me throughout the years. Every musician who ever played in Pensacola owes an enormous debt of gratitude to him for everything, he truly was one of the icons of the Pensacola music scene. Thoughts and prayers go to all family, friends, and the entire musicians community.
May 16, 2011
PRAYERS TO THE HALEY FAMILY
REMEMBER HARRY FROM SAINT STEPHENS
ME AND PAT WERE IN THE SAME GRADE
HARRY A FEW YEARS YOUNGER
GENE GONZALEZ
GAIL COOL/KRAFT
May 16, 2011
PRAYERFUL SYMPATHY TO ALL FAMILIES...FONDLY,SONYA MERRITT,DANIELLE AND GAIL MAINES COOL
Kim Lee
May 15, 2011
You are now with some of the best musicians
ever Harry. Angels playing there harps and Cherubs with there horns. While sitting at the foot of Jesus Christ our lord. Enjoy
Mike Lawson
May 15, 2011
Harry Haley was my friend every one of the four years I lived in Pensacola from '88-'91. But from day one he treated me like he'd known me all his life. He was just that kind of dude. When i needed gear, Harry made sure I always had what I needed. Maybe not all I wanted, but he never let me go without having what I needed. He didn't rip musicians off. He gave us easy credit, easy payments, good gear and a friendly word.
It was a family business and he, Cheri, his mom, they all made us feel like part of his musical family. His store was a scene to hang out in those years, and he always had something going on, something he was recording, or some live show he was providing the back line or PA system for, you name it. One time he got me a gig on some wild outdoor festival up on the river he was providing sound at that summer. The last times I saw him was in the store after i moved to Nashville and would come down to play Seville thru '95, but he was happy to see me like I'd never left.
A great heart powered Harry Haley.
The entire Haley family around the store in those days were just great people. Between his dad's pawn shop around the corner and Lightning Sound, it was something to get in the middle of. :)
Rarely does somebody running a store like that really take an interest in what their customers are doing when they are working musicians. Harry respected working musicians. Harry was a musician, not just a store owner, and he was an engineer, and he got it. He really got it. Those days I was a seven day a week performer in that area, and Harry was the most supportive music dealer for my early career. To this day I've never found a music store that was as much of a hang as it was a place to do business.
I can't really say enough nice things about the years I lived in Pensacola and knew Harry Haley. He's one of the people who made a difference in my life.
Larry Couch
May 15, 2011
Harry was the definition of the true measure of a man: his actions reflected his heart and his kindness was truly felt. He always made me feel like family when I walked into his store and never thought twice about letting me try out gear or even allowing our band to rehearse in the store.
Van Price
May 15, 2011
When I think of Harry, the first thought that goes through my mind is the teen age weekend nights listening to the Judkin Mills Band at the Beacon downtown so many years ago we won't mention, but not too many to not still bring a smile.
Thank you so much for the memories Harry.
I'll never forget you or the rest of the gang from the good ole days in the 70's.
May 15, 2011
Rest easy old friend.
Geoffrey Hall
May 15, 2011
Harry was a wonderful & generous friend, a great employer, and for many years the central figure in Pensacola's entertainment scene. I have written an article on him in Pensapedia. For all of the favors he's done for me, that was the least I could do in return. He's in Heaven, now. Praise God.
Paul Gerow
May 15, 2011
There were many, many people at the funeral home this evening.'Harry touched and was a part of so many lives.I talked to people i haven't seen in decades.Too bad it takes an event like this to bring friends and family together.Gods Speed Harry! Rest in Peace my Friend.
Most recent Picture of most of the family. Aunt Brenda, Papa, Shawn, Jessica, Reed, me, and Lil Reed
Cailya Forsyth
May 15, 2011
My Papa Harry will be loved and missed dearly!
J. Hawkins
May 15, 2011
I will always have in my memory, that big warm smile that he gave to me, and every one who ever came in contact with Harry. He was a brother,a good friend.I will miss him dearly.
Louis White
May 15, 2011
To soon old friend, I know Harry would approve of a Dire
Straights quote.
" and Harry doesn't mind if he doesn't make the scene, he's got a
Day time job, he's doing all right!
No more windmills to tilt at, I will cherish the battles we fought
making music happen. Your friendship will be missed.
Theresa Lukers
May 15, 2011
I will miss the Harry hug. There are to many memories to write. You will be truly missed.May God be with you on your journey.Goodbye friend.
Pink Lamont
May 15, 2011
Harry was a musicians best friend. I will miss his smile and his great personality.He took care of me when i moved here from D.C. anything i needed for my knee deep band he helped me with nomader the price.i'll miss him greatly.thank you harry for everthing
Bobby DeVito
May 15, 2011
Harry Haley helped nearly every musician I knew in Pensacola in the 80s. When I needed a new guitar or amplifier, but did not have the money, Harry would say "just take it and pay me payments when you can". When I needed a job, Harry hired me to run his recording studio which I did for a year. When I was homeless and had no place to stay, Harry let me live upstairs at Haley's Lightning Sound. I can say that without Harry Haley in my life during the 80s, my music career would have been over. He always did his best to help all the musicians get the equipment they needed, and I will never forget his generosity and the help he gave me when I needed it. Rest in peace HH.....I am sure you will be quite a hit with the people in Heaven! bobby devito
JoAnn Antone
May 15, 2011
You will be dearly missed Harry Haley. You were a huge hero and icon in the Pensacola area. May you be rockin' in heaven with Jim Morrison and Jimmy Hendrix, And Elvis too.....JoAnn Antone.
David McDonald
May 15, 2011
To my good friend Harry, to young to soon. I first met Harry when I was a young guy hitch hiking on W street Later we would buy a lot of our sound equipment from him & we would do McGuire's St Pats parties under the Big Tent for years & so many other events. In the past few years we would run into each other & always talk about the old times... You will be missed very much my friend!
Lil Ferreira
May 15, 2011
Our condolences to the entire Haley family. It is hard to lose a child in a parents lifetime or ever. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Herb Ferreira retired Capt.PFD & Lil
Alice Chancey
May 15, 2011
I loved you very much Harry....you were always so good to my son Sean when he wanted a guitar, you always came through...give Cheri a big hug for me. Truley loved and will be missed !!! Alice Chancey ( Lutz, FL.)
L.J. (m&m) Emmons
May 15, 2011
When you get to Heaven Harry, give em hell...We love you brother. You will be in our hearts and memories forever.
May 15, 2011
The first time I ever played on stage, we rented the speakers from Harry at Haley's. And when I launched my DJ career, I bought my first pair of speakers from Haley's. Harry was a friend to everyone who came in the store. I would hang around the store and listen to him talk and tell stories with everyone who came in. He was a good friend and a great guy. Peace be with you, Harry.
Mark Dean
former radio DJ, Pensacola/Mobile
Jerry Simmons
May 15, 2011
I have lost a good friend!
Patty Hitchcock
May 15, 2011
Harry will always be in my heart and the
last three years he gave me a lifetime of love and memories and will never be forgotten. I love you Harry
Peter G. Giouzelis
May 15, 2011
There wasn't many people in the music community that Harry's life didn't touch at one point or another. He gave more than he got. This sadden's me very much to lose friend so soon.
One who especially helped and supported me so much with all my bands and musical endevors. I guess I was just blessed enough to have spoken to him the night before to invite him to the Musicians Memorial this coming May 23rd, and to once again tell him that althought times have changed and we are all going are different paths I just wanted him to know that I have never forgotten everything that he has done for me. And when he comes to the Musicians memorial I just wanted to give him a hug and we'd be good. I guess I'm just going to have to wait on hug for another time.
May God bless your soul Harry Haley. You'll always remain in my memories.
May 15, 2011
Harry, you will be dearly missed, my friend ! I`ll never forget you and all the musical help and support you gave, to me and so many other`s. But, this isn`t goodbye, it`s just "until later"! - Charles "Skeeter" Morris
Skip Banfell
May 15, 2011
May God guide you on your way Harry.
You will be in my thoughts & prayers.
Ron & Sandra Diamond
May 15, 2011
Thank You for all your help ! Because of you so many talented musicians in Pensacola were able to make their dreams come true. Music makes the World go round !
Eddie Carnes
May 15, 2011
I am so sorry to hear about Harry's passing. Knew Harry for years and he was always a great friend. He will surely be missed. My prayers & thoughts go out to his family
Jessica Alderman
May 15, 2011
I've known the Haleys my whole life. This is truly a sad time and my condolences go out to everyone. Know I am greiving although I cannot be at the funeral. I hope you all heal quickly.
All my love and best wishes
Robert Jurcak
May 15, 2011
I shall miss you dearly and proud to have you as a friend. Rock-On Harry!
Richard / Maria Parker
May 15, 2011
Our dear friend has gone on to another journey in the sky. Harry you will always be in our heart and memories. Thank you for the talks and unconditional friendship. Rock on buddy !! We love you. Richard and Maria Parker
Al & Faye Hammac
May 15, 2011
Harry was a very special person and one who remembered you even though it may have been years since he had seen you.
He always gave a big hearty hug and a made you feel that you were the only person in the world.
He always talked about his girls with such love and pride.
The world has lost a wonderful man and heaven has gained a beautiful soul.
May 15, 2011
So sorry to learn of Harry's untimely passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Dave and Liz Wheeler
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