James Harold Livings

James “Harold” Livings, 91, of Chelsea, Alabama, passed away on Friday October 20,2023, at his home surrounded by family and a beloved care giver. He was born on August 23, 1932, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Melvin J. Livings and Clender Snellgrove Livings. His family moved to Troy, Alabama, in 1948 where he attended Troy High School and graduated in 1950.  

Harold attended Troy State College in Pre-Engineering and later Auburn University in Mech-Engineering. He enlisted in the Military U.S.A.F in 1953 where he became a S/Sgt., Jet Mechanic B-47 Jet Bomber Post Flight/Pre Flight-Team Chief and Assistant Crew Chief.  He was selected and was honored with an Outstanding Airman Award of the 20th Bombardment Squadron, Sd Bombardment Wing Medium Jet, in 1955 while stationed in Savannah, GA. Upon his honorable discharge in 1957, he attended the University of Alabama and earned a degree in Industrial Management in 1960. 

While in the Air Force, he married his high school sweetheart from Troy, Ina Fordham Livings, in 1953.  His work history spanned from 1960 into the1990’s and included working as an Industrial Engineer at Burlington Industries, US Rubber Company tire Division-Opelika, Al, Diversified Products, and Ampex Corporation. He moved his family to Opelika, Alabama, in 1964 where he resided with his wife for over 45 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Opelika, where many remember him being a youth Sunday school teacher. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the outdoors. 

Survivors include his children, Mike Livings (Frances), Lynda Livings Cochran (Cal); his grandchildren, Jessica L. Phillips (Jeff) and Jamie M. Livings, Nick Cochran (Kayla), and Jacob Winchester; great grandchildren, Hailey Collins, Hadley Livings, and Hunter Cochran; as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews and a beloved four-legged companion, Jake.  He was loved and cared for by Evangelia Patton, April Knight, Peggy Chrietzberg, Carolyn Gragg, and Shon Cunningham. 

Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Ina F. Livings; his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Jackson Livings, Sr; his brothers, M.J. Livings Jr, “Jack” and William T. Livings “Bill”.

Funeral services will be at Green Hills Memorial Cemetery in Troy, Alabama, on Wednesday October 25, 2023, at 1:00 pm for visitation and 2:00 pm graveside service.  John H. Witherington, the nephew of Mr. Livings, will be officiating the service.