Johnny Rex Haggard

Johnny Rex Haggard, 81, of Brandon, passed peacefully at home on the evening of May 26, 2025, surrounded by family, after his brave battle with lymphoma.
Rex was born August 25, 1943, to Earl and Sallie Haggard of Cow Creek in Kemper County. He was a graduate of Lynville High School. On June 27, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Palmer, on her 19th birthday and the newlyweds began their life in Jackson.
Rex began his work career at Pet Dairy, where he established life-long friendships. He then worked for 50 years as a medical supply salesman, calling on clinics and hospitals throughout the metropolitan area, creating a myriad of friendships and acquaintances with his infectious smile, genuine personality, and unwavering work ethic. Rex always had a kind word for anyone he encountered and a positive attitude regardless of the circumstances.
In his free time, Rex loved to "piddle" outside, especially when it involved riding his four grandkids through the pastures of their Kemper farm in "Ole Blue", his beloved 1976 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.
Rex was preceded in death by his mother, Sallie Mae Jackson Haggard; father, Earl Haggard; brother, Royce Haggard; and sister-in-law, Ruth Haggard. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy; daughter, Angie (Dustin) Rodgers of Toccopola; daughter, Allison (Tison) Reno of Clinton; grandchildren who brought him immense pride and joy: Madison Rodgers (17), Emma Rodgers (14), Miles Reno (8), and James Reno (5); nephew, Tommy Haggard of Preston; and step-niece, Janie VanDevender Gregg of Shuqualak. He was a member of First Baptist Jackson.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m., at The Craftsmen's Guild of MS Bill Waller Craft Center, 950 Rice Road, in Ridgeland. We look forward to sharing stories and antics in Rex's memory.