William Edgar "Big Ed" Havird

William Edgar Havird, 84 of Millen, GA passed away on Monday May 17, 2021. He was better known as “Big Ed,” was born in Augusta, GA on July 12, 1936 to John “Red” and Belle Beard Havird. Big Ed spent most of his childhood in Savannah, GA where he attended Benedictine Academy. As a young man, he worked at the Savannah newspaper until he moved to Atlanta and met the love of his life, Susan Coppage Havird, whom he married in 1967. They spent 52 unforgettable years together.
In 1973, when he started the renowned “Big Ed's Pig N Pit BBQ.” A community staple in Marietta for 35 years, Big Ed’s BBQ was a gathering place for locals, offering distinctive southern cuisine and great conversation. With a personality larger than life – and a smile to match it – Big Ed never met a stranger. He loved hunting with “the boys” (actually a bunch of old guys from the hunting club), spending time with his grandchildren, and following the Atlanta Braves.
“Big Ed” is survived by a sister Carol Anne Winn; a daughter, Holly Havird Canady; grandchildren Jessica Canady Walker, Brett Canady, Shane Canady, Catherine Ivester, Christopher Ivester, and James Turner; and twelve great and great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and a daughter Connie.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday May 23rd at 3pm at Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 5-7pm at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.