Erskine Havens

Born in Hattiesburg, MS on February 12, 1932 Departed on July 20, 2018 and resided in Hendersonville, TN Visitation: Hendersonville Funeral HomeMonday July 23, 2018 1:00pm to 3:00pmFuneral Service: Hendersonville Funeral Home Room: ChapelMonday July 23, 2018 3:00pm

Erskine Havens, of Hendersonville, was born on February 12, 1932, and passed away on Friday, July 20,, 2018, surrounded by his daughters. He was the husband of Margaret Powell Havens (deceased), beloved father to Kristi Larkin Havens and Kim Havens Sprout, father-in-the-law to Troy Sprout, and proud grandfather to Lauren and Ryan Sprout. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Desiree Havens, of Hattiesburg, MS, and his beloved sister, Marlene Havens Parker.

Even as a child, Erskine showed his commitment to hard work and his gift for leadership-turning a paper route into a newspaper carrier franchise with 150 customers by the time he turned 11. As a construction worker, clerk, lifeguard, and even a drilling rough neck, Erskine worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for his family. In 1994, he retired from Unilever Company concluding a 35-year career that saw him advance from sales to management. In all aspects of his life, Erskine was revered for both his exceptional work ethic and his keen understanding of people. Those privileged to be trained by Erskine knew him to be a man who expected much, but never more than he was willing and able to do himself. Many who worked for and with him have gone on to be exceptional leaders in their own right, leaders, who like Erskine, inspire those around them.

He proudly served his country as an Army Platoon Commander and as a member of the Special Court Martial Trial Council. Serving in Germany inspired his life-long love of European travel. To his family and friends, he was a man who always placed the care of others before his own interests. Erskine lived his life as an example of the best of Christian virtues; he looked for ways to ease the lives of others without any expectation of return. He joyously shared his love of travel, his quick wit, his excellent cooking, and his great intelligence (even if he rarely recognized it as such for himself).

The family will receive friends from 1 - 3 p.m. Monday, July 23rd at Hendersonville Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow in the chapel at 3 p.m. with Brother Randy Goodman officiating. At a later date, Erskine and Peg will be laid to rest in the Garden of the Cross at Hendersonville Memory Gardens.