Dr. George Allen”Bub” Haile
January 17, 1934 – January 11, 2021
Dr. George Allen “Bub” Haile of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 11, 2021 at the age of 86 after a battle with cancer. Born January 17, 1934 in the small mill town of Ansley, LA, he grew up in nearby Jonesboro as the youngest of eight children. A life-long learner, his educational journey began with a basketball scholarship to Louisiana Tech and continued on to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, earning an additional Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Theology. He later earned a Master’s in counseling at Louisiana Tech and a Doctorate in Ministry at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
George ministered throughout Louisiana for over 40 years. He served as pastor of several churches until 1962 when he became the Director of the Baptist Student Union at Louisiana Tech where he mentored many students in their Christian faith for eight years. George was blessed to be beloved by two church communities in Baton Rouge. He served University Baptist Church as their pastor for 27 years beginning in 1970. After his retirement in 1998, he went on to serve as the Minister of Pastoral Care at Broadmoor Baptist Church until 2011.
George lived out his Christian faith. He shared in countless special times of highs and lows in the lives of his church family and was a source of support to many. He loved all of God’s children and wanted them to know that God’s love and grace are unconditional. He was a genuine, kind, and caring husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and friend. He enjoyed fishing, LSU sports, fried shrimp, a nightly bowl of ice cream, and above all, a “good visit.” He will be sorely missed by his family and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Joy Shankles Haile. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Gay Wales Haile, daughter Lydia Haile Follis, son Scott Haile (wife Nora), stepchildren Lydia Jumonville (husband John), Donna Martin, and Scott Wales (wife Laurie), grandchildren Steven Follis (wife Kimberly), Daniel Follis, Brandon Jumonville (wife Amanda), Jason Jumonville (wife Rachael), Blake Jumonville, Taylor Martin DeJarnett (husband Harrison), Tucker Martin (wife Pam), Josh Martin (wife Hannah), Audrey Wales, Emeline Young, and thirteen great grandchildren.
The family very much appreciates your thoughts and prayers. Due to COVID-19 concerns and restrictions, an appropriate celebration to honor George’s life will be postponed until a time when it will be safer for friends and family to gather. We will share information when those plans are made. During George’s birthday on Sunday, January 17, both Broadmoor Baptist and University Baptist Churches took a moment during their services in his honor.
Lela Mae Blair
September 25, 1936 – January 15, 2021
Mrs. Lecia Mae Blair, age 84 of Jonesboro, crossed through Heaven’s gates on Friday, January 15, 2021. She will be fondly remembered for touching so many lives and was known by most people that she met as grandma. She had a good heart and loved the Lord with every bit of it. When you walked into her Christian home you could feel God’s presence and you knew that you were her family and were loved. She loved to cook and serve biscuits so if you left her house hungry then it was your own fault. She will forever be remembered as the world’s best mother and grandmother.
Those left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Doris Coleman and husband Lavelle; grandchildren, Celena Wilkins and husband Doug, Jr., Ariel Fanene; great grandchildren, Jacob Coleman, Justin Coleman, Mersadies Ganey, Braxton Ganey, McKali Wilkins, Kelbi Wilkins, Micah Wilkins; brother, Donny Lowery and wife Sally; sister, Lou Ann Howell; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Valen Blair; parents, Oscar Lee and Iva Mae (Rison) Lowery; 6 siblings.
Friends may view on Sunday, January 17, 2021 in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home from 11:00am until time of services. Funeral services are set to begin at 2:00pm with Reverends Arthur Robinson and Kenneth Standfield officiating. Burial will follow in Zion Hill Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving the family as pallbearers will be Doug Wilkins, Jr., Braxton Ganey, Patrick Howell, Kevin Howell, Chet Ramsey, Heath Ramsey.