James Havior, Jr.

Early in the hours of Monday, January 29, 2024, our loved one, James Havior, Jr. departed his earthly home.

James, better known as “Hey Boy”, was born on July 12, 1950, to the parentage of James Havior, Sr. and Eva Mae Willis. James was the oldest sibling to this union and was known to have his mother's heart.

At an early age, James joined Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church, where he showed his musical talents with singing and playing the drums. While in high school James along with a group of friends formed the musical group “Gloria Walker and The Chevelles”. They're hit song “Talking About My Baby” stayed on the billboard's chart at number 100 for six weeks.

The success of “Talking About My Baby” led to three straight days of airplay on New York radio stations. The hit even led to him to grace the Apollo Theater in 1968. In 1974 Curtis Davis founded The Mighty Chevelles with musical talents Emmett Green, James Havior, Oscar Havior, Donzell Reeves, Johnny Speights, Willie Smith, and Ray Davis.

The band became an instant hit on the local scene. They also became the premier backing band for major artists. In 1978 they released a full-length album entitled “Black Gold”.

In 1979 the band changed their name to the “Music Makers” and added Tommy Johnson, Ronnie Miller, and Ricky Renfroe to the lineup.

In 1979 the Music Makers traveled to Miami and recorded a full-length record with the disco powerhouse TK Records. Unfortunately, this album wasn't released.

James was Honorably Discharged from the United States Army National Guard  in 1979.

In 1982 James was blessed with the birth of his first child, James B. Havior III. Shortly afterwards, he was blessed with his second child, Sabrina R. Havior.

James worked for many years at Central State Hospital. He later joined the team at Rheem Manufacturing where he met the love of his life, Mrs. Gwendolyn Clowers-Havior. Also, Rheem is where he retired. He loved Gwen so much, until her dying day. Their love was truly until death do us part.

James was a member of the Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church choir, where he played the drums. He was also a member of American Legion Warren Hawkins Post #523. James also helped to provide dinners for underprivileged youths.

James leaves a host of survivors to rejoice and celebrate his life: mother, Mrs. Eva Mae Willis; son, James Bernard Havior III; daughter, Sabrina Renee Havior; granddaughter, Jayda C. Hill; brothers, Mr. Oscar Havior, Mr. Alphonso Havior, Mr. Douglas Sherman, Sr.; step-brother, Jerry Willis; sisters, Mrs. Jacqueline Sherman, Mrs. Angela Waller; sisters-in-law, Jacqueline Havior, Barbara (Charlie) Manson, Elko, GA, Thelma (Willie) Ellington, Eatonton, GA, Christine (Brent) Hunter, Gray, GA; brothers-in-law, Ralph Waller, Earnest Clowers, Warner Robins, GA, Christopher Clowers, Macon, GA, Arthur Gray, Ricky Gray, Robert Lee; aunts, Willie Mae Hurt (Harrison), Dorris Havior, and Roberta Havior; uncle, Roddie Havior. 

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