Jimmy Ned Haley

On the eve of Our Lord’s birthday, Dec. 24, 2014, Jimmy Ned “Bear” Haley, ascended from this world to The Kingdom of Heaven. Memorial services will be held at The Gibraltar Hotel on Jan. 10th at 5:00 p.m. Please send all condolence flowers, cards, etc. to Lucky’s Vapor Store, 555 Lamar Ave. Paris, TX 75460. Cremation was under the care and direction of Bright-Holland Funeral Home. Born in Deport, TX, March 24, 1949 to Carl and Mattie Haley, the youngest of 5 children. Bear had a very nurtured and wholesome upbringing; it is said he was the only of the 5 siblings to escape the perils of picking cotton as a child. Always on the hip of one of his sisters or trodding not far behind his brothers; rodeos, ballgames, and dances at The Boys and Girls Club were attended often while growing up. Attending elementary school and Paris High School, Haley excelled at sports and art. Known for throwing a mean curveball in little league, and earning his nickname “Bear” while growling at his opponents on the gridiron in high school. Pursuing his dream and talent as a musician, Haley and friends moved to Dallas, Texas, after graduating. Earning a nightly spot as house band in a notable venue in Deep Ellum (Bill Wares Pirates Nook) in ’68-’69, he honed his abilities as an entertainer that would later raise him to the status of “Local Legend” throughout Lamar County. In the midst of playing music and running a concrete business, Bear was first and foremost a family man. Raising 5 children of his own, and helping raise countless grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, he was the epitome of the term patriarch. Keeping the family together his main goal in life. Bear was preceded in death by his father, Carl Haley, and mother Mattie Haley. Brothers, Jerry Wayne and Billy Haley, as well as a sister, Cynthia McDowra, and granddaughter, Brittany Haley. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Haley, sister, Carlene Mann, by his only son, Cas Haley and wife Cassy, and by his 4 daughters and sons-in-law, Jamie and Ike Burchinal, Nannette and Mike Hall, Michelle and James McDevitt, and Jeina and Jerry White, grandchildren are Jeremy and Travis White, Nikki Thomson, Meagan Cheney, Lani McDevitt, Preston Hall, Carlee Haley, Conn McDevitt, “Bubba” Cas Haley, Seamus McDevitt, Ginny Haley, and Eben and Nolah Haley, great grandchildren include Taylor White, Alaina White, Travis White, Addisen Cheney, Allister Thomson, Aliyah May, Atlas Cheney, Paisley May, and Emrys Thomson. He was also very excited to know three were on the way, Helen Hall, Sebastian Haley, and Austen Cheney. You’ll be missed dearly by all of us, and will never leave our thoughts and prayers. Gone but never forgotten, we know you’ll be with us through thick and thin, guiding us through good and bad times just as always. Rest in Peace Papa Bear. We love you…