John Haywood

John Covington Haywood, born September 29, 1946 in Lumberton, North Carolina, passed into the hands of God on July 18, 2014 after an extended illness that resulted in kidney failure. He was the son of Ralph Columbus Haywood and Ruby Pearl Covington Haywood. Lovingly known to his family as Johnny, Poo-pi, Doo-dah and daddy, he was the devoted husband to Elizabeth (Betty), and is survived by her and his four daughters, Lynn Gittelman (Richmond, VA), Peyton Haywood (Charlotte, NC), Robin Salyer (Richmond, VA) and Dawn Todd (Huntersville, NC). He is also survived by his siblings Frederick Haywood (Knoxville, TN), Dee Brown (Roanoke, VA) and Glenda Minnick (Bedford, VA). He was also the doting grandfather of Jacob (12) and Tyler Gittelman (8), and Kathryn Todd (5).

John lived in Charlotte, North Carolina for 18 years, but “home” was Lynchburg, VA where he lived most of his life. He spent his career in the insurance industry where he specialized in insurance for trucking, an industry in which he distinguished himself as a CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) and was even published in a national insurance journal.

John was a music-lover and was blessed by God with a beautiful tenor voice. He participated in music groups throughout his life. He loved his church choir at Fort Hill United Methodist Church in Lynchburg, VA where he was a member for much of his adult life. He instilled his love of music in his daughters, a love that has extended into the next generation of the family through his grandchildren.

He was a man with a keen sense of humor, who loved to laugh and to make others laugh. He was loved dearly and will be missed deeply.

He will be remembered by his family and friends at a memorial service on July 23, 2014 at Fort Hill United Methodist Church, 106 Oak Ridge Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia. The family will have a period of visitation at 10 a.m. with the service to follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Haywood family.