E.L. "Billy" Hayden, Jr.

E. L. (Billy) Hayden Jr., loving father and husband, died on Thursday February 27, 2014. He was born in Paducah, Kentucky on April 11, 1926 to Edgar (Linny) and Myrtle Hayden. Billy was a graduate of St. Mary’s Academy in Paducah where he was captain of the basketball team. He was an excellent athlete and loved to play and watch all sports. He entered the U.S. Army towards the end of WWII. After his service, he resumed working as an engineer on the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad. He worked over 51 years in the railroad business and was nominated as Local Chairmen, General Chairmen and finally Vice-President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Billy was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He was a lifelong Kentucky basketball fan and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He attended the Church of the Incarnation in Collierville and recently celebrated 33 years of sobriety as a friend of Bill’s. He was preceded in death by six loving sisters and one brother. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Margie (Goatley) Hayden, his daughters Julie Hayden Meadows (Mark), Dr. Jane Hayden, Kate Hayden Marconi (Jim) and one son Bill Hayden (Laurel). He had 8 grandchildren, Madeline, Maria, Marc Anthony, Brooks, Madison, Hayden, Jack and Beau. Visitation will be held on Monday March 3rd, at Collierville Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m. with rosary starting at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 4, at 10 a.m. at Church of the Incarnation in Collierville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to Catholic Charities or a charity of your choice . Collierville Funeral Home 901-853-2628 www.ColliervilleFuneral.com