Havis Farrell Richardson died April 2, 2025.  He was born to Leonard and Alma Ernestine (Phillips) Richardson on January 29, 1923, in Willow, Arkansas. He was 102 years old.  In 1925, Farrell's family moved to Rockport by horse and wagon and a year later his father bought a 15-acre farm on Military Road. In 1947 he married Maggie Lou (Bland), and they built their permanent home on a 60-acre tract of land near his homeplace that used to be a golf course.  Farrell loved his land where he raised timber, cattle, bees, and always had a garden. Farrell passed away peacefully in the home that he and Maggie built in 1950.

In 1941 with WWII beginning, Farrell did not return to Malvern High School to finish his senior year. However, in 2023 when he turned 100, Farrell was awarded an honorary diploma from the Malvern School District. Besides graduating five daughters from MHS, Farrell was an avid Leopards fan.

Farrell began his career at the Alcoa Defense Plant in Jones Mill while it was still under construction. He worked in the lab as a chemical analyst for quality control. Alcoa eventually was bought by Reynolds Metal Company and Farrell continued working there for 40 years until the plant closed.

Preceding him in death is his wife, Maggie Lou. Farrell had 10 siblings and is preceded in death by 8 of them: Kermit, Orpha, Audra, Lucy Sue, Joy, Ben, Clovis, and Glenn Gene. He is survived by one brother, Leonard (LL), one sister Camille, and one sister-in-law Noveta.  Farrell was also preceded in death by his daughter Frances Richardson Headley. Survivors are his daughters Becky Senisse, Phyllis Hunt (Mark), Leisa McElroy (Todd), Debbie Hobbs (Steve), and son-in-law Glenn Headley. Farrell was blessed by 13 grandchildren: Rob, Mark, Tyler, Mike, Elizabeth, Chris, Luke, Wesley, Michelle, Shane, Colby, Cady, Piper, and many great and great-great grandchildren. Farrell was also loved by and stayed in contact with many nieces and nephews.

Besides Leopard and Razorback sports, Farrell loved hunting, fishing, and dancing.  Farrell and Maggie Lou were life-long members of First Methodist Church in Malvern. When interviewed at age 100 about what advice he would give to young people, Farrell replied, "have strong faith—there's a time and reason for everything."  He added, "Prepare yourself for the long haul," and from one of his favorite songs he would say, "Keep your hand on the throttle and your eye on the rail."

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of Gentiva Hospice for their excellent and personal care.  And much love and thanks to Farrell's caregiver team—Marinda, Carolyn, Ruthie, Gale, Laugretta, Patricia—who treated him like family and were a Godsend.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, April 11, at his home at 2665 Babcock Road.  A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 12, at 10am at the Lono Cemetery on Highway 9, under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home.

All friends and family are invited. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First United Methodist Church, 127 East Page Avenue in Malvern, 72104; or Lono Cemetery Association, c/o Tammy Harrell, 129 Windsong Bay, Hot Springs, AR 71901.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.