Charles William Haggard

Charles William Haggard, or C.W., as most of his friends and family knew him, was born to Corinne Woodruff Haggard and Robert Swinton Haggard in their home on Ellison Ridge Road in Winston County, Mississippi on August 14, 1936. A devoted member of the Ellison Ridge Community, C.W. graduated from Ellison Ridge High School before attending East Central Community College where he studied drafting. C.W. grew up tending to the family farm in Ellison Ridge, and there was no place in the world he enjoyed being more. After completing his studies, he decided to plant his roots there for the greater remainder of his life. On March 17, 1960, C.W. married Rhonda McMillin Haggard, and they built their home across the street from Robert and Corinne. C.W. reminisced often on his and Rhonda’s St. Patrick’s Day wedding, as a very “lucky day”. Shortly after marrying, the two welcomed their daughter, Cora Suzanne and their son Robert David. They enjoyed raising their two children together, and all the adventures that being parents took them on. The most memorable adventures that they shared together were their times as a family riding and showing horses around the state. As a man who enjoyed travel and the great outdoors, C.W. also loved taking his family to the beach every summer. Some of Suzanne and David’s fondest memories with their father are the times they spent in the gulf together, soaking up the Florida sunshine with him. Attending and watching Mississippi State football games, golfing, and visiting his friends and family with Rhonda as often as he could were a few of C.W.’s other favorite activities that filled his time as his children grew up. In 1992, C.W became “Papa” to Ashley Kathleen and a few years later, William Coleman. He spent the great majority of his time following their arrivals growing into his role as a grandfather, embracing it with pride. Rhonda and C.W hosted holidays at their home, spent spring breaks going to visit their grandchildren in Atlanta, and loved Ashley and Cole as they grew into young adults. Their favorite memories of C.W. are the Thanksgivings and Christmases they shared, and the countless summers they spent in Ellison Ridge Road with their “Nanny and Papa”. He always made sure to teach Ashley and Cole about life’s simple pleasures - whether it was eating watermelon on his back porch on a summer sunny day, or watching an old western movie together at night. C.W. was loved by many, and always made sure to check in on those he cared about. During the last decade of his life, he resided at the Winston County Nursing Home where he proudly wore the title “Resident of the Month” many times from his Room #1. His charisma, charm, ability to remain positive during any obstacle in life presented to him, and love for those around him, are a few of the most irreplaceable traits of Charles William. He was a kind, authentic, and genuine man, who always found contentment in the “little things”. He will be deeply missed by those whose lives he touched - especially his family and friends. C.W. is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and their infant son, Charles Gladney. He is survived by his daughter Suzanne, son David, grandson Cole, granddaughter Ashley, and her husband Mike. We are comforted by knowing C.W. has made it to Heaven, where he and Rhonda can dance the jitterbug once again. C.W.’s family would like to thank the staff of the Winston County Nursing Home for their excellent care and attention to Papa during his past eight years in “Room #1”. Friends and family are invited to visit on Saturday, May 20 from 12:00 – 1:00 P.M. at Porter Funeral Home to honor C.W.’s life, with graveside services to follow at approximately 1:45 PM at Memorial Park Cemetery. Rev. Michael Wells will officiate. Pallbearers will be Bill McGee, Hayden McGee, Jamie McMillin, Britt Hamill, Cole Haggard, and Mike Wilson. In lieu of flower, the family requests you consider a donation in his name to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children , which he supported through his Masonic membership for many years.