Obituary

Joseph Harrell Hayman, Sr.
January 06, 1939 - May 04, 2019


Joseph “Joe” Harrell Hayman, Sr. was born on January 6, 1939 in Bogalusa, Louisiana. He was called home by his Savior on May 4, 2019 surrounded by his family at Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Cecelia Spinks Hayman and two sisters, Peggy Hayman Breland & Charlotte Hayman Shettles. He is survived by his soulmate and the love of his life, Shirley Temple Hayman, a daughter and son-in-law, Sandi & Devin Koele of the Woodlands, Texas; a son and daughter-in-law Joe Jr. & Kat Hayman, of Madison, Mississippi, and seven (7) grandchildren: Joseph “Tres” H. Hayman, III, a student at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi; Zach Koele, a student at Baylor University; Skye Hayman, a student at Texas A&M University; AJ Koele, a student at Baylor University; Jade Hayman, Chas Hayman, Quinn Hayman, and his brother Gene Hayman of Sandy Hook, Mississippi, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Joe graduated from Bogalusa High School in 1957. He attended Southeastern Louisiana University and graduated in 1963 with a degree in Business Administration. He proudly served in the National Guard and the U.S. Army starting in 1955, for according to Joe, “8 years, 6 months, and 22 days”. He was so proud of his country.

Joe and Shirley grew up across the street from each other in Bogalusa and were married in 1962. In 1963, Joe began his 41 year career with Crawford & Company, in risk and insurance claims management. After management positions in Meridian and Hattiesburg, Mississippi, he was asked to manage the business in Dallas, Texas in 1981, ultimately wrapping up his career in Austin, Texas in 2004. Throughout his career, he was known as a faith-based, strong and principled leader who would get things done.

Joe and Shirley were charter members of Unity Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and have been members of Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin, Texas for 30 years. Joe served in several layman positions in the church including Deacon Chairman. While at Hyde Park, Joe worked with Shirley to lead the prayer ministry. In 2018, the church honored Joe and Shirley by dedicating the prayer room to them for their many years coordinating the effort.

Joe was a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather. His 57 years of marriage were filled with immense love, contagious laughter, and unforgettable memories.

He loved his Brangus cattle and his John Deere tractors, giving many of them names along the way.

He loved to tell stories and his children and grandchildren were regaled for hours with tales of his past.

He loved the Word of God, daily memorizing and reciting Scripture.

He loved music and worship and his final hours were spent humming some good ole southern gospel hymns.

His tireless work ethic, both in his career and at home, is an example that will leave an impact far beyond his time on earth. His love for his family was only surpassed by his love for His Lord. He left this world much better than he found it and he remained the greatest example of a strong Godly man until Jesus called him home.

Services will be held on May 13, 2019 in Bogalusa, Louisiana, at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 10 am-11 am followed by a service with Dr. George Moore presiding. Burial will follow at the Miley Cemetery in Washington Parish, Louisiana, with military honors. Pallbearers will be Joe Hayman, Jr, Tres Hayman (Joe Hayman, III), Chas Hayman, Devin Koele, Zach Koele, and Eric Hayman. Honorary pallbearers will be Gene Hayman, Jim Breland, Rob Breland, Rick Breland, and Elbert Harris. Following the graveside service, the family will welcome friends and family for fellowship at the Elizabeth Sullivan Memorial United Methodist Church in Bogalusa, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch (www.calfarley.org) or the Bogalusa Help Center (350 MLK Drive, Bogalusa, LA 70427). In addition, a memorial service will be held at a later date at Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin, Texas.

For those attending the service, in consideration of Shirley’s severe fragrance allergies, please refrain from wearing cologne, perfume, scented body wash or similar fragrance. Thank you!