Richard Hayden Ables, born in Dennis, Mississippi, on March 11, 1946, departed this life Saturday, July 30, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones.
Hayden lived a full and interesting life. He was a lifelong resident of Tishomingo County, graduating from Iuka High School in 1964, lettering in football, and participating in many school activities before attending Northeast Mississippi Community College.
He served in the MS National Guard for 6 years where he was an expert sharpshooter using a 45 Pistol and M14 Rifle. He worked in the chemical engineering department for Southbridge. He then went on to work as a pipe fitter and welder with TVA. Following his work with TVA, he served six terms as Tishomingo County Chancery Clerk from 1984 until 2007. He was very active, serving as secretary and treasurer, vice-president, and then president (1993-1994) in the MS Chancery Clark’s Association. During his presidential term, he was appointed by Governor Haley Barbour to serve on a statewide level judiciary committee representing Tishomingo County.
Hayden was an avid fisherman, golfer, and Civil War relic hunter. He was a historian regarding the Civil War and spoke on many platforms including Daughters of American Regulation. He was nominated in the Legion of the NRA. He collected many things, especially guns and knives, and served as past president for the National Knife Collector’s Association. Amongst his other presidencies, he served as president of the Iuka Rotary Club. While he served in various civic organizations throughout the community and the State of MS, he participated heavily in the Tishomingo County Development Authority. He was a voracious reader, knowledgeable on numerous subjects, an animal lover, champion teller of stories and jokes, witty, compassionate, and most of all, a kind and generous friend to many, especially to those in need (often anonymously). He was a member of the Iuka Church of Christ, where he taught Sunday school for many years.
Hayden is survived by his son, Richard Jeremy Ables (Tammy); his two beloved grandchildren, Richard Blake Ables (Dani) and Dylan Taylor Ables; his three sisters, Rita Nixon, Martha Puckett (Helton), and Elizabeth Reynolds; his two aunts, Willodean Bethune, and Mickie Bethune; his nieces and nephews, Lisa Wallis, Clay Parsons (Jessica), Jennifer Webb (Billy), Carrisa Burnett, and Andrea Daniel (Kevin); and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alphus V. and Lera Bethune Ables; two infant brothers; a sister; his nephew, Bryan Johnson; his four-legged companions, Bear, Buddy, and Marshall; and numerous aunts and uncles.
Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation begins at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at the Iuka Church of Christ. Visitation will continue an hour before service time. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at the Iuka Church of Christ, officiated by longtime friend and minister Bro. Lance Foster. A private burial will take place for family and close friends in Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Hayden’s honor to a charity of the donor’s choice. An online guestbook may be accessed at https://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com/.
