Frank F. Haywood, 76, of Battle Creek, Michigan went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. He was born on September 21, 1944 to Lee (Jake) and Marguerite (Carpenter) Haywood, who have preceded him in death along with two sisters, Ruth Paschal and Martha Jane Haywood. He graduated from Battle Creek Central in 1962. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sandra “Sandy” Haywood. They were married December 30, 1963. He is also survived by a sister, Nancy Soule; a brother, Larry Haywood; sister-in-law, Nancy (Dan) Hoyt, daughters, Cathi (Steve) Ghere, Cindi Haywood and Peggy Hayward; his grandchildren, Joshua (Avery) Brennan, Amanda (Rafael) Orduna, Catrice (Lawrence) McCarty, Patricia (James) Gibbs, William Tyler (Angel Asher) Sullivan, Jordan Ghere, Jennah (Max Arrendondo) Ghere, Jason (Toniesha) Burns, Nichole (James Jr.) Phillips, Beatrice Brown; 23 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
He worked 18 years at McGraw-Edison in Albion. In 1981, he started his own business with a friend, Dependable Refuse. In approximately two years he became sole owner and in 1986 sold his business to Waste Management where he retired from after 25 years of service in 2011.
Frank learned to play the guitar at the age of six (he was self-taught). In his teens he played for Rocko’s Band at Eddie’s Teen Club and Herb’s Club in Battle Creek. After he was married, in 1972 he joined “The Bandits” for a few years. In the late 70s he joined the “Pay Dirt” band where he focused more on playing the keyboard for six years. In 1981, the “Pay Dirt” band played for the Democratic Party Presidential Candidate, Walter Mondale, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In 1982, Frank reformed his band “The Bandits”. In 1983 this band opened for the Ricky Nelson Show (a teen sensation in the 60s) at the Moose in Hastings, Michigan.
Frank wrote several country songs, and one named “Becky” was copyrighted. When one of his pastors found out he was so musically talented, he encouraged Frank to play at church. He also traveled around to other churches nearby and played special music. In the last twenty years, Frank has written several country gospel songs. The one closest to his heart was written for his church “A Church Called Cornerstone”.
Frank’s interest outside of family and music was motorcycles. He rode with family and friends, when his daughters were younger and in the early 70s, he traveled with a group and did stunt riding at several state fairgrounds. He and his brother, Larry, sponsored their nephew when he rode on the circuit.
A celebration of his life will be April 17, 2021 at Cornerstone Community Church, 3030 Beckley Rd., Battle Creek, Michigan. Paster Paul Parker will be officiating the services. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and services will begin at 12:00 pm with a luncheon to follow. Memorial donations may be made out to Cornerstone Community Church.