On March 6, 2018, Philip Rush Haley, Jr. died at age 96 at his home in Denham Springs. Phil was born in Baton Rouge on October 1, 1921, to Philip Rush Haley, Sr., and Lessie Clement Haley. In 1940, he joined the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in Manila, Philippines. When the Japanese invaded the Philippines, Phil's unit retreated to the island of Corregidor. In 1942, he became a prisoner of war and was held captive by the Japanese at Bilibid and Cabanatuan prison camps in the Philippines, before spending the remaining years of the war at Mukden POW camp in Manchuria, China. The local paper reported him as "Missing in Action," and most of his family presumed he was dead. Phil often said that the prayers of his family and his faith in the Lord were what sustained him in the POW camp and throughout his life. In 1946, Phil married Velma Rollins and they had two sons. After he retired from work at Allied Chemical and Rubicon, he faithfully served others in his community through his active involvement at First Baptist Church of Denham Springs, where he also served as a deacon. Phil personified the Marine motto, "always faithful." He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service against an armed enemy and the Ex-POW medal. He received congratulatory letters from President Harry Truman, President George H.W. Bush, and Governor Edwin Edwards. He was a proud and active member of the American Ex-POWS Red Stick chapter. He is survived by his two sons, Rusty Haley (Carol) of Germantown, TN; and Randy Haley (Ashley) of Leesville, LA; his wife of 22 years, Ruth Johnson Haley; and her son, Butch Johnson (Paula) of Baton Rouge; seven grandchildren: Sarah Haley Cannon (Seth), Rachel Haley Dickens (Jon), Anna Haley, Elizabeth Haley, Benjamin Haley, Kyle Johnson (Christina), and Holly Johnson; and one great-grandson, Everett Cannon. Phil was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Velma Rollins Haley; two brothers, Bobby Lynn Haley and Douglas Leslie Haley; and one sister, Wilda Lucille ("Boots") Haley Pettigrew. Visitation will be Friday, March 9 from 6-8 p.m. and on Saturday, March 10, from 11-1 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 10 with all venues located at First Baptist Church Denham Springs. Burial will take place immediately following the funeral at Greenoaks Memorial Park Cemetery in Baton Rouge.
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6 Entries
Jackie Bankston Manning
March 9, 2018
Rusty, our hearts go out to you in the loss of your precious father. He was a remarkable man and a blessing to his family and friends. May God bless and comfort you and your family during this sad time. Love, Kittylu and Jimmy
Kittylu and Jimmy Wilbanks
March 8, 2018
My here has entered heaven and our lord greeted him saying welcome to my kingdom my good and faithful servant. .well done. Rusty and randy and family my love, prayers and sympathy embrace you as you bid goodby to a member of the greatest generation your first cousin Gloria rivault wilbert ww2veteran
March 8, 2018
What a beautiful legacy Phil left this world! A life well-lived. Our heart and prayers go with you as you get through this sad time to the happy memories on the other side of it. We love you!
Larry and Denise
Denise Murray
March 8, 2018
Hall
March 8, 2018
Thank you for your service to our country and for being a part of the Greatest Generation. May your family be consoled, and may you rest in peace.
Barbara Schmitt
March 8, 2018
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Funeral services provided by:
Seale Funeral Service, Inc. - Denham Springs1720 S. Range Ave., Denham Springs, LA 70726
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