Henry Clay "Happy" Sevier Jr.

Henry Clay "Happy" Sevier, Jr. peacefully passed away on Friday, March 4, 2016, at his home in Covington, Louisiana. Happy was born on September 22, 1925, to Henry Clay and Retta Brooks Sevier in Tallulah, Louisiana. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years, Marilyn Smith Sevier; his grandson, Andrew Clayton Elkins; and his sisters, Carolyn "Callie" Yerger Ratcliff and Roberta "Beta" Gandy. Described by his friends and family as a "true Southern gentleman," Happy was a graduate of Darlington School in Rome, Georgia, where he was voted "Most Likely to Succeed." WWII interrupted Happy's college years. He served three years active duty in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Manila in the Philippines (Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, American Area Medal, Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, and Good Conduct Medal). After the war, Happy returned to LSU, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. He received his BA from LSU in '48. In 1950, he received his LLB from LSU Law School, and he joined his father's law firm in Tallulah. At the time of his retirement in 1997, Happy was the senior member of the law firm of Sevier, Yerger, and Bishop. Happy served on the Board of Governors of the Louisiana State Bar Association and had been a member for 66 years. He also served as President of the Sixth Judicial Bar Association, the Madison Parish Chamber of Commerce, the Tallulah Rotary Club and the Tallulah Country Club. Happy served as Secretary of the LSU Alumni Federation, as a member of the Board of Directors of Tallulah State Bank and Trust Company and the Madison Parish Port, Harbor, and Terminal District. He was a member of Scott Nicols Voak Post #100 of the American Legion and retired as Captain in the United States Air Force Reserve (JAG). Happy was ordained as an elder of the Tallulah Presbyterian Church. After his retirement in 1997, he and Marilyn moved to Covington, where they were members of Covington Presbyterian Church. In his retirement, Happy enjoyed reconnecting with friends from his Lookout Mountain Camp days, and from college. Happy enjoyed hunting, golf, and photography. A great storyteller, he entertained his grandchildren with his stories, his Southern charm, and his rendition of "Chattanooga Choo Choo." Happy is survived by his four children, Linda Mann (Joe), Janet Favrot (Thomas), Mary Kate Elkins (Gary), and Henry Clay Sevier, III (Tammie Morgan); 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. Happy was the direct descendent of John Sevier, first Governor of Tennessee and Revolutionary War hero. Happy's family would like to especially thank the Care Team at the Maison Grace Memory Care Community of The Trace, and to Passages Hospice, for their loving care of Happy. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Tallulah Presbyterian Church, 301 Cleveland St., Tallulah, LA 71282, or to Isidore Newman School (memo line: Andrew Elkins Memorial Fund), 1903 Jefferson Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115. A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, March 21, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Tallulah Presbyterian Church, 409 Cleveland St., Tallulah, LA 71282, with a reception to follow.