Mr. David Haley

Kermit David Haley, 56, of Oxford, MS (formerly of Nashville, TN) passed away on May 3, 2014. David was preceded in death by his parents, Kermit and Kate Brunson Haley. He is survived by his daughter Crystal Haley Polk and her husband Jeffery, his sister Brenda Haley Davis and her husband Charles, numerous cousins and a multitude of friends. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 6th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram, MS. The funeral will be Wednesday, May 7th, at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in McCarley, MS. Visitation at the church will be held at 2 p.m. with a graveside service following at Hickory Grove Cemetery at 3 p.m. The service will be officiated by Reverend Lanny Haley. Pallbearers are Bob Haley, Glenn Haley, Brandon Haley, Locke Bennett, Lane Bennett, Haley Bennett, Darren Elliott and Shane Allen Sakkinen. Friends and family will be invited to a memorial celebration in Nashville, TN on a date to be determined. David chose the country music industry as his career at age 17 when he was a weekend DJ at WJXN (Colonel Country) in his hometown of Jackson, MS. While attending Hinds Community College, he worked as an evening DJ at WJQS in Jackson; going on to become Program Director for that station. He moved to Nashville in 1984 at age 28, rising to executive level at several major labels as well as holding a position on the Country Radio Broadcasters board. David was a dynamic and special man. Anyone who ever spent more than five minutes with him very quickly understood and appreciated that about him. It was no fluke that he spent his adult life in the music business, for a personality like David’s needs an outlet. And while he wasn’t the one singing on the record or performing onstage, his influence was felt by a great many who did. Thanks to his behind the scenes work, some of the most beloved and respected artists in country music got their shot at the big time. But more important than that, people who had even the briefest of encounters with David were affected in a positive way by his infectious attitude and zest for life. The work ethic, like the man, was second to none. However, it wasn’t the long hours he put into his job, but rather the qualities he brought into that office with him everyday that mattered most. It’s one thing to work hard, but clearly quite another to daily apply a positive attitude and approach to every single situation and person that crosses your path. Those who worked with and knew David well spoke of a kind and gentle spirit that peppered every encounter with his side splitting sense of humor. David’s day was not complete if he hadn’t made at least one person smile, or better still, laugh out loud. A gift like that is rare and special, one that united so many people and gave David a wealth of true friends and supporters. David ‘s beautiful daughter Crystal was the light of his life. His pride in her accomplishments as she grew from toddler to teen to young woman was evident. Crystal, in turn adored her daddy. One of David’s greatest attributes was his kind heart. In a business that can be highly competitive, and not always in a good way, David maintained his dignity and reputation by never giving into the negative. Even in the most stressful and trying of times, both personal and professional, he let his good nature shine through and tried to find the bright spots in even the darkest of situations. Particularly in 2011, when a sudden stroke diminished David’s physical self, his inner self remained strong. He may not have been physically able to do everything he could before, but that didn’t stop him from being a vibrant part of life. He chose to retire, leave Nashville and move to Oxford, MS in 2013, his beloved dog Buddy sitting in the passenger seat, ready for the next chapter. David told his Nashville friends he wanted to be closer to Crystal, Jeffery, Brenda and Charles. Life was kind in that it gave him time to spend with them, as well as make a new life and friends in Oxford. But time on earth is never long enough - in a snap of a finger David left us too soon. He was called home to Heaven and God in whom he always maintained a steady faith. In poetic fashion, his loyal 17-year-old dog Buddy preceded his friend in death one day prior. David Haley was a special man that made the lives he touched brighter and better. Music Row’s heart beats a little slower today. The family respectfully requests that memorials be made to Hickory Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 940 County Road 81, McCarley, MS 38943; Music Health Alliance or the pet rescue organization of your choice.