Bill was born on July 25, 1929 and was a native of Portsmouth, Virginia. He graduated from Churchland High School in 1947, where he ran track and field and received numerous medals. He moved to Virginia Beach in 1962 to raise his family of six. Bill is preceded in death by his mother and father, Dave and Emma Haywood, beautiful bride of 69 years, Iris Yeary Haywood “Meema;” sister, Levitta Haywood Mason; daughter, Patricia Haywood and grandson, James S. McKinney, Jr. (Natalie). He is survived by his children, Deborah Stovall (James), William G. Haywood, Jr. “Gary” and Tonya Haywood Janosz; one sister, Marie Turney; grandchildren, Joshua McKinney, Julia Overton (Robert), Emma Leah Bruno (Ryan), Ryan Haywood (Melvin), Rachel Stencil (Jeffrey), Gabriela Neal (Allen); great-grandchildren, Keegan, Noah, Nicole, Carlton (CJ), Liam, Saralyn, Dylan, Katie, Travis, Allie Jane, Jonah, Emily, and Wesley. He was an incredibly proud husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was the guardian of his family; their biggest defender.
As a young teenager, Bill worked tirelessly on the Elizabeth River Ferry in Portsmouth. Continuing his love for transportation, he proudly served as a member of the Virginia Department of Highways, where he retired after 48 years of service. His part time passion was cutting men’s hair and learned to cut each one of his grandson’s hair from a very young age. Bill was a hard-working man; a fiery spirit that certainly strengthened all that knew him. No one who met Bill forgot his love for his family, his passion for being outdoors, gardening and watching his grandchildren swing at the lake. Fishing off the family pier was a sacred past time. Neighbors would love to chat with Bill as he walked by. He walked the same route every day for decades and well into his late 80’s! Bill and Iris opened their home to anyone, and Bill truly enjoyed his latter years living for life’s simple pleasures; chatting with friends and family, reading the newspaper, snacking, and spending time watching football and nightly news on his 80” television. Bill was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society and a member of his grandson’s school PTA. When he was able, Bill attended every grandchild’s activity, sporting event or special moment. Bill and Iris enjoyed their home away from home in Florida near family; he even once received an award for the “Sexiest Legs in Florida.” Bill was fortunate to travel all over the world but his love for Hawaii could make way for hours of conversation; his paradise. He even climbed Diamond Head and Koko Head Mountains in his late 80’s. Adventurous, wise, funny, guiding, entertaining, inspiring, giving, proud, one-of-a-kind, and a total Rockstar are just a few adjectives used to define our Dedad.
“For even with my heavy heart, I know that I’ve been blessed to have been one who’s life he touched with warmth so infinite.” - Unknown
Services will be held at Rosewood-Kellam Funeral Home on Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach.
The family will receive guests on Thursday, August 3, 2023 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be Friday, August 4, 2023 at 2:00 pm in the Chapel.
