ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LA. 

Obituary for: SEVIER, HENRY "HAPPY" CLAY, JR.

Submitted by: Louis Lavedan. 

Source: E.J. Fielding  Funeral Home, Covington, La.

Died: Friday, March 4, 2016

======================================================================= 
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgenweb.org/volunteers/copyright.shtml
======================================================================= 

SEVIER, HENRY "HAPPY" CLAY, JR.
September 22, 1925 - March 4, 2016

==========
A photo is available for this file. Please go to
http://usgwarchives.net/la/sttammany/obits/dateobits/2016/st1603.htm 
and click to view list of photos.
==========

Henry Clay “Happy” Sevier, Jr. peacefully passed away on Friday, March 4, 2016 
at his home in Covington, Louisiana. 
Happy was born on September 22, 1925 to Henry Clay and Retta Brooks Sevier in 
Tallulah, Louisiana. 

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years, Marilyn Smith Sevier, his 
grandson Andrew Clayton Elkins, and his sisters, Carolyn “Callie” Yerger 
Ratcliff and Roberta “Beta” Gandy.

Described by his friends and family as a “true Southern gentleman,” Happy was a 
graduate of Darlington School in Rome, Georgia, where he was voted “Most Likely 
to Succeed.” WWII interrupted Happy’s college years. He served three years 
active duty in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Manila in the Philippines 
(Victory Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific, American Area, Philippine Liberation, and 
Good Conduct Medal). After the war, Happy returned to LSU, where he was a 
member of Kappa Alpha Order. He received his BA from LSU in ’48. In 1950 he 
received his LLB from LSU Law School, and he joined his father’s law firm in 
Tallulah. At the time of his retirement in 1997, Happy was the senior member of 
the law firm of Sevier, Yerger, and Bishop.

Happy served on the Board of Governors of the Louisiana State Bar Association 
and had been a member for 66 years. He also served as President of the Sixth 
Judicial Bar Association, the Madison Parish Chamber of Commerce, the Tallulah 
Rotary Club and the Tallulah Country Club. Happy served as Secretary of the LSU 
Alumni Federation, as a member of the Board of Directors of Tallulah State Bank 
and Trust Company and the Madison Parish Port, Harbor, and Terminal District. 
He was a member of the Scott Nicols Voak Post #100 of the American Legion and 
retired as Captain in the United States Air Force Reserve (JAG).

Happy was ordained as an elder of the Tallulah Presbyterian Church. After his 
retirement in 1997, he and Marilyn moved to Covington, where they were members 
of the Covington Presbyterian Church. In his retirement, Happy enjoyed 
reconnecting with friends from his Lookout Mountain Camp days, and from 
college.

Happy enjoyed hunting, golf, and photography. A great storyteller, he 
entertained his grandchildren with his stories, his southern charm, and his 
rendition of “Chattanooga Choo Choo.”

Happy is survived by his four children, Linda Mann (Joe), Janet Favrot 
(Thomas), Mary Kate Elkins (Gary), and Henry Clay Sevier, III (Tammie Morgan); 
12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and 
numerous nieces and nephews. Happy was the direct descendent of John Sevier, 
first Governor of Tennessee and Revolutionary War hero.

Happy’s family would like to especially thank the Care Team at the Maison Grace 
Memory Care Community of The Trace, and to Passages Hospice, for their loving 
care of Happy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Tallulah Presbyterian 
Church, 301 Cleveland St., Tallulah, LA 71282; or to Isidore Newman School 
(memo line: Andrew Elkins Memorial Fund), 1903 Jefferson Avenue, New Orleans, 
LA 70115.

A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, March 21, 2016 at 11 a.m. at 
Tallulah Presbyterian Church, 409 Cleveland St, Tallulah, LA 71282, with a 
reception to follow.

U.S. Navy
===================