So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:6-8
Mr. Boyce Edward Haywood was born on September 16, 1935 to Boyce Haywood Sr. and Massie McCluney. He grew up in Spartanburg County, South Carolina and graduated from Mays High School.
Boyce Haywood was united in holy matrimony with Betty Ross on December 25, 1960 and to that union they were blessed with two children, son Boyce Cornelius and daughter Cheryl Jean. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on December 25, 2021 before Betty passed in February 2022.
Boyce served in the United States Navy for 26 1/2 years. The family relocated from Cowpens, South Carolina to Marietta, Georgia in 1971 for a naval shore duty assignment at Naval Air Station Atlanta. After residing in Georgia for six years, in 1977, the family transferred to Norfolk, Virginia. Boyce made Virginia his final career destination and retirement location. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War and during his 26 1/2 year military career, he spent 19 of those years assigned to Aircraft Carriers and Cruise ships. He was stationed on the USS America, El Paso, Glennon, Inchon, Newport News and Wisconsin. He earned several medals while serving his country including the Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Navy Expedition Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
After his remarkable Navy career, Boyce began a career in the shipyard profession. During his shipyard employment he worked in various job capacities at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Norshipco and Colonna’s Shipyard where he retired in 2009.
He began his spiritual life early in his childhood as he attended Mount Calvary Baptist Church. After the family settled in Norfolk, Virginia, Betty and Boyce eventually found their permanent church home at Abyssinia Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Frank Guns, Sr then Rev. Dr. Sheridan Nelson. He was a faithful and devoted church member until he was no longer able to attend due to health issues. As a long-time member of Abyssinia, he also served as a Deacon and was honored and presented the title of “Deacon Emeritus” for his longevity of faithful service to Abyssinia.
He was preceded in death by his wife Betty, his mother and father, Massie McCluney and Boyce Haywood, Sr., and sister Ellen Laney.
Boyce departed this life on June 14, 2023 as God sent his angels down for him to take him to his heavenly home.
He leaves to cherish fond and loving memories, his son, Boyce Cornelius Haywood (Kimberly Ann) of Goldsboro, N.C.; his daughter, Cheryl Jean Haywood of Norfolk, VA; two grandchildren: Kevin Antoine Rose of Norfolk, VA and Kianna Nicole Haywood of Goldsboro, N.C.: one great grandson, Nathaniel Bolarinwa. Boyce also leaves behind a nephew, Frank Laney, Jr. and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
There will be a visitation from 6-8pm on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at Woodlawn Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be conducted at 11am, Wednesday, June 21, 2023 in the funeral home chapel. Interment will immediately follow the service at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.
The family would like to humbly express our deep appreciation to everyone for all the love, kindness, sympathy and prayers during this time of bereavement.
May God Bless and Keep You!
The Haywood Family
