Major (Ret.) Charles Cecil Haywood, Sr., age 92, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, August 4, 2024. Born March 4, 1932, in San Angelo Texas, he was the son of the late Harry and Lorena Haywood. He was a devout Christian and believer of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death was his wife, Margaret Haywood; daughter, Pam Haywood Lewis; granddaughter, Chara Lewis; brothers, Harry Haywood, Sr. and Joe Haywood; and his sisters, Anna Ballard, Faye Sykes and Rose Scott. He is survived by his son, Charles Haywood, Jr. of Baltimore MD; daughter, Cheryl Williams of Richmond, VA; one sister-in-law, Rebecca Snipe (Jacob) of Bossier City; son-in-law, William Lewis, Jr.; granddaughters, Stacey Williams and Janae Haywood; grandsons, Trey Williams, William Lewis III (Tammara), Charles Wesley Lewis and Charles Haywood III; great grandchildren, Osialon, Chloe, Jael, Nova, Challah, Akhil, Chara, William (Sonny), Jayla and Ausom; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.

Major (Ret.) Haywood attended Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas on a football scholarship and graduated in 1954 with a B.S. degree in Guidance and Counseling. Through the ROTC program, he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He then entered active military service in 1954. He had an illustrious military career, serving our country in 2 major wars – Korean and Vietnam. He was a highly decorated veteran. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart in 1967, Bronze star metals in 1967, 1968, 1970 & 1971, and several other awards such as the Air Metal, Gallantry Cross with Bronze star, Commendation Metals and Meritorious Service Metal.

Major (Ret.) Haywood received his master’s degree from Virginia State University in 1976. He was also a member of the Fort Gregg-Adams (VA) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. After retiring from the U.S. Army in 1975, he then served as Bachelor and Transient Housing Manager on Fort Gregg-Adams (formerly Fort Lee) until 1998.

Among all of his many accolades and accomplishments, the one wore most proudly was that of a family man. A devoted father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin, in-law and friend, Major (Ret.) Charles Haywood, Sr.’s legacy will continue on through his family and the countless lives he impacted during his lifetime.