Hayward Ervin Lovell, age 73 of Tiger, was called home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, September 2. He was the loving husband of Cathy White Lovell, they shared 53 blessed years of marriage together. He was born in Rabun County on November 22, 1952, to the late Fred Lamar and the late Essie Whitworth Lovell. He was a devoted husband, father and Pepo to his four little "stinkerpots" as he called them. His family was his life and his grandchildren were his heart.

He retired from his career as a Park Ranger after 35 years of service with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources at Black Rock Mountain State Park. He loved the outdoors and could name every plant, flower and critter on the mountain trails. The new park maintenance center and roadway bear his name. He was an ordained deacon of the Baptist faith, and a member of Free Chapel in Gainesville, GA, where he served as a host on the Online Campus chat team for Sunday morning services. He lived a life of servitude to God and was a faithful disciple all the days of his life.

When he wasn't spending time with his family, he loved riding his tractor "Kioti." He was considered the honorary mayor of Lovell Lane, and loved using his tractor to help the neighbors and keep the road in good shape. Those who knew him loved him, he was a man of deep faith, he was loving, compassionate, faithful, patient and humble. And, even though he fought many health battles, he never complained and constantly encouraged everyone around him facing those same battles.

He is survived by his loving wife and caretaker, Cathy Lovell; his daughter Stefanie Taylor (Dallas); his son Zachary Lovell (Ashley); his beautiful grandchildren, Stori Taylor, Jensen Lovell, Darcy Lovell and Hayward “Ward" Lovell; his brothers, Mike Lovell, Kenneth Lovell (Jackie) and Don Lovell (Jan); sister, Harlene Kilby (Deleano); and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Hayward's Life will be held on Sunday, September 6 at 3:00 pm at Beck Funeral Home Chapel in Clayton, Georgia with a graveside service immediately following at Liberty Cemetery in Tiger, Georgia. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to your charity of choice in memory of Hayward.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Hayward Ervin Lovell. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.