J. Alex Haggard died Friday, May 10, 2002 at Martin County Hospital after a lengthy battle with cancer. Alex was born to Lillian and Norvell Haggard December 2, 1925 in Martin County where he lived all his life. He married Ruby Henson December 24 ,1943, and served in the United States Army in the Phillipines and Japan during World War II. When he returned from the war, Alex began a successful career in farming, ranching and home building. He was a meticulous craftsman, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was a private man devoted to his family and business, but also gave freely of his time and resources to individuals and civic organizations throughout the community. He is survived by his wife, Ruby, of 58 years, one son, David Larry Haggard of Columbia, South Carolina; daughter, Alexis Gayle Wheeler, son-in-law Gene, and granddaughter, Erin all of Stanton, and daughter, Joanna Leighton, son-in-law Jeff, and granddaughter Paige all of Sumter, South Carolina. One brother, Tommy Haggard of Tow, Texas and three sisters, Willie Howell of Texas City, Oma Clay Johnson of Stanton, and Jean Kelly of Lubbock also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Jerry, James, Robert, and Buster, and two sisters, Elizabeth Meek and Helen Langley.The family will receive friends at the home.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, May 13, 2002 at the Downtown Church of Christ with Ellmore Johnson speaking, assisted by Van Pendergrass, with graveside services to follow at Evergreen Cemetery outside of Stanton. Pallbearers will be Bill Allred, Richard Doggett, Myrl Mitchell, Darrell Quaid, Terry Shanks, Marvin Standefer, Jimmy Stallings and Theodore Wells. his parents, four brothers, Jerry, James, Robert, and Buster and two sisters, Elizabeth Meek, and Helen LangleyArrangements under the direction of Gilbreath Funeral Home.,
