Calvin E. "Bud" Hayden

Calvin Earl “Bud” Hayden, 72, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, died suddenly and unexpectedly late Saturday afternoon. His parents Nell Colbert Hayden and George T. Miller preceded him in death. While Bud’s accomplishments were extensive and monumental, nothing among those took precedence over the love and loyalty he felt for his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 34 years Mary Branch Hayden; his five children, George Hayden (Paula), Richard Hayden (Brandi), Christy Flagler (Steve), Dr. Kyle Hayden (Alison), Catherine Dyer (Mitch); eight grandchildren; his sister Betty Berrey (Butch); and several nieces. Bud attended West Riverside Elementary, John Gorrie Junior High School, Robert E. Lee High School (Class of 1961), The University of Florida (Class of 1965), and The University of Florida Law School (Class of 1967). While attending law school he was a page in Washington, D.C. for Congressman Charles E. Bennett and upon graduation clerked in Pensacola for The Honorable Judge Carroll. He then returned to Jacksonville where he joined the law firm of Jennings, Watts, Clarke, Hamilton & Corrigan. Of his many legal accomplishments, the one most significant to him took place during his tenure with Smith & Hayden representing the heirs of the musical “Chicago” in a landmark royalties case in their negotiations with the American Play Company in NYC. At the time it was the largest royalties agreement ever negotiated. Bud was passionate about giving back to the community. He was a member of Southside United Methodist Church and the Jacksonville Historical Society as well as served on the board of several organizations including Methodist Hospital and Goodwill (serving for over 10 years and some of that time as president). He showed unwavering dedication to The Rotary Club of North Jacksonville with over 40 years of service that included seven Paul Harris Fellowships, a presidency, Sergeant at Arms, and Chairmanship of the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship Program. Very few people can boast a perfect voting record in local, state, and national elections and he once drove 220 miles to a Duval County precinct to cast a ballot. His passion for life extended even further to his love of antiques and collectible Lionel trains. He was a founding member of The Toy Train Collectors of Jacksonville as well as a member of the TCA and the LCCA. His other favorite pastimes included vacationing in New England, relaxing in the N.C. mountains, stamp collecting, fishing, and of course was a Florida Gator for life. Bud never met a stranger. Generous and compassionate with his time and knowledge, he often stopped to help those in need or someone who looked as if they could use a boost. He was the family member or friend you could depend on any time day or night. Always giving it to you straight yet giving you his undivided attention as long as needed as if he had all the time in the world. The word “no” was not in Bud’s vocabulary and he helped others without expecting anything in return. He stood up for what he believed in as well as for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves. He was a man of timeless grace and honor and will be missed by all. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 7, 2015 in Hardage-Giddens Hendricks Chapel, 4115 Hendricks Ave. The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 8, 2015 in Hardage-Giddens Hendricks Chapel with Pastor Bruce Jones as Officiant, followed by interment in Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. To share a memory or to leave a condolence for the family visit www.HardageGiddensOaklawnChapel.com.