Sept. 6, 1954 – Sept. 19, 2011

NATCHEZ — Services for Melvin Dudley Halford, 57, of Natchez, who died Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, at his residence, will be at 2 p.m. today at Laird Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mike Harrigill officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Mr. Halford was born Sept. 6, 1954, in Meadville, the son of Dudley Halford and Rhoda Halford.

Mr. Halford was an ordained minister and attended Hamburg Baptist Church in Franklin County and would preach sermons when his health would allow him to.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Calvin Halford.

Survivors include three sisters, Bernice Harvey and husband, Coy, Nadine Holton and husband, Delmer Jr., and Betty Dawson and husband, Tony, all of Natchez; one brother, Gene Halford and wife, Suni, of Rosharon, Texas; one sister, Faye Woods and husband, Bill, of Woodville; a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; his beloved pet, Boo-Bear; and a very close and appreciated friend, Cindy Burton.

Pallbearers will be Stacie Cloy, Tonya Dawson, Delmer Holton III, Blake Heidel and Heath Emfinger.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Scott, Coy W. Harvey and Tony Dawson.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lairdfh.com.