Wayne Haver Obituary: Longtime Southside High School Principal Remembered for Decades of Service

Wayne Haver, the longtime educator and former principal of Southside High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is being remembered following reports of his death.

Haver became a familiar figure in Fort Smith education after beginning his career at Southside High School in 1970 as a business teacher. He later moved into school administration, becoming an assistant principal in 1974 before taking over as principal in 1982. He remained in that position until his retirement in 2018.

His career with Fort Smith Public Schools lasted 48 years, giving him the opportunity to work with several generations of students and educators. During his time as principal, Southside High School continued to grow, and many former students eventually returned to the school as teachers.

Haver’s contribution to education was also recognised beyond Fort Smith. In 2013, he received Administrator of the Year honours from the National Association of Education Office Professionals, becoming only the second Arkansas educator to receive the award at that time.

He was also known for bringing his personality to school events. His ability to play the Southside fight song on harmonica became part of school traditions, particularly during pep rallies and other activities.

News of Haver’s reported passing has prompted former students, colleagues and members of the Fort Smith community to remember his lengthy career and connection to Southside High School.

Details surrounding his death, including the cause of death and funeral arrangements, have not been independently confirmed through an authoritative obituary or family announcement. Those details should therefore not be assumed.

For a community where Haver spent much of his professional life, his reported death marks the loss of a longtime educator whose career became closely associated with Southside High School and Fort Smith Public Schools.