Michael Joiner Halford

Michael Joiner Halford passed away on May 19, 2024, in Asheville, North Carolina. He was born in Flowood, MS. on September 4, 1989, and spent his formative years in Jackson and Madison. 

An alpha omega graduate of St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Ridgeland, class of 2008, Michael excelled academically and athletically. He was an All-District and a Clarion-Ledger All-Metro Team basketball player as well as an All-South State baseball player. Upon graduation, Michael chose to continue playing basketball at the University of Mississippi, where he earned Academic All-SEC honors. Michael was particularly thrilled to be on the 2009-2010 Rebels basketball team that reached the semi-finals of the National Invitation Tournament in New York City. 

When he was not in the gym, Michael could be found at the Sigma Nu Fraternity house with his friends. Michael concluded his basketball career at Belhaven College, where the Blazers competed in the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City. Michael returned to Ole Miss to complete his psychology degree and graduated in December of 2013. 

Following college, He worked in sales and construction in the Jackson, New Orleans, and Asheville metropolitan areas. 

Michael is preceded in death by his grandparents, Billie June and J.P. McEachern (New Orleans), Kohlman Stabinsky (New Orleans), Ada Frances and Lloyd Joiner Halford (Meridian); and by his uncles Tim Lee (Columbia) and Danny Rousselle (New Orleans). 

He is survived by his son, Lawrence Michael; his parents, James (Jim) Lloyd Halford and Kimberly (Kim) Sue Stabinsky Halford (Madison); his siblings, Hannah (Austin, TX.) and Madeleine (Rhodes College in Memphis); and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who all love and miss him dearly. 

Services to honor Michael’s life were held May 24, 2024, at the Chapel at First Baptist Church of Jackson.