Aug. 6, 1926 – May 8, 2012

FAYETTE — Services for Jefferson Wren Nevels, 85, of Fayette, who died Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at The Meadville Convalescence, will be at 11 a.m. today at Fayette United Methodist Church with the Rev. Aaron Lamb and the Rev. Laurie Raborn officiating.

Burial will follow at the Fayette City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time today at the church.

Mr. Nevels was born Aug. 6, 1926, in Amite County, the son of Marlin “Bud” Nevels and Tennie Mae Berryhill Byrd. He was a retired barber, the owner and operator of “Nevels’ Barber and Hair Style Shop” in Fayette for 30 years. He was a graduate of Hinds Junior College Barber School and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Mr. Nevels was a lifetime member of the American Legion-Post Philip M. Wilkinson No. 65; served on the Jefferson County Recreation Committee; chairman of Construction Committee for “Lighting the Little Boys Baseball Field”; an active member of the Fayette United Methodist Church 1952; and served as an official church board member in the following capacities: trustee, finance committee, member of Harvestors and president of Harvestors.

Mr. Nevels was a licensed barber and member of State Barber Board Association. He also served in the 5th Marine Division of World War II in the South Pacific. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter for a number of years.

“Uncle Wren” will always be remembered by so many whom he helped in a number of ways throughout his lifetime. He was a “Man of His Word” who loved his wife, his family and his country. He was sensitive to those who had needs and gave generously of his money and time to help whoever needed his support in any way. Through his generosity and kind deeds, he touched and influenced the lives of a number of people. He actively visited and kept up with all his family (and their families) and friends on a daily basis up to the time his health began to fail him and he could no longer do for himself. Even then, he still did his best to communicate and stay in touch with those he loved so dearly. “Uncle Wren, we will miss you.”

Mr. Nevels was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Mary Elizabeth Halford Nevels; his parents; three brothers, Jerry Gene Byrd, James Nevels and Joe Nevels; and four sisters, Milere McDaniel, Peggy Havard, JoAnn Dier and Edith Adcock.

Survivors include four sisters, Eva Ivey of Baton Rouge, Sadie Ford of Brookhaven, Wilma Brownell and Betty Stevens, both of Gloster; two brothers, J.W. Byrd of Picayune and Marvin Nevels of Gloster; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and a special friend, Joyce Duck of Liberty.

Pallbearers will be Bubba Gabbert, Dr. Elmo P. Gabbert, Turner Lessley, Marvin Nevels, Darrell Smith and Glenn Stevens.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Alford, Pete Berryhill, David Campbell, Jim Lessley, Roger Nunnery, Errol T. Pierce, Jock Smith and Don Ward.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fayette United Methodist Church or a charity of choice.

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