Rev Joel Haire

September 24, 1934 - February 11, 2021

Reverend Joel E. Haire, 86, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, February 11, 2021. Joel was born on September 24, 1934, in Lafayette Springs, Mississippi. He was the only son of Reverend L. F. Haire and Mrs. Addie Belle Haire. He accepted Christ as his Savior when he was seven years old. Joel was a graduate of Vardaman High School, Mississippi College, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He was ordained to the ministry in 1956 at First Baptist Church of Bruce, Mississippi. Joel served as pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Grenada County, Duncan Hill Baptist Church in Calhoun County, Thompson Baptist Church in Amite County, First Baptist Church of Ridgeland, First Baptist Church of Water Valley, First Baptist Church of West Point, and First Baptist Church of Crystal Springs. After retiring in 1997, he served many churches as interim pastor. At the time of his death, he was the pastor of Southern Hills Baptist Church of Byram. He also worked with the Stewardship Department of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board where he led numerous churches in building campaigns. Joel was on the Board of Trustees at the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center for over twenty years. In his spare time, he loved spending time with family and friends and restoring vintage Ford Mustangs. Throughout over sixty years of ministry, Joel touched the lives of and influenced countless individuals. He was known for his kindness, humble spirit, and consistent lifestyle. Through mid-life battles with cancer, Joel found strength and sufficiency in his Savior and used those experiences to minister to others. He was a prayer warrior who loved to walk alongside others on their life’s journey. He particularly enjoyed mentoring young pastors. His children and grandchildren are eternally grateful for their close relationship with him and the example he set for them. The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to those who have reached out in such gracious ways to commemorate his ministry and legacy. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary Woods Haire, son Mark Haire (Reta) of Brandon, daughter Melanie Haire of Wesson, grandchildren Beau Wilson, Zack Wilson, Mary Morgan Alford (Kyle), and Molly Haire, twin sister Jean Hays, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Faye Taylor and Voncille Tedrick. Family and friends are invited to a graveside service at Old Crystal Springs Cemetery in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, on Saturday, February 20, at 2:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Crystal Springs, or the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson.