Richard Bennett Haywood, Jr.

Richard Bennett Haywood, Jr., 69, of Raleigh, NC departed this earthly life on Wednesday November 12, 2025.  Funeral service is scheduled for Thursday November 20, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Wilson Temple United Methodist Church, 1023 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, NC 27607.  A visitation will precede the service at 11:30 AM.  The public viewing will be Wednesday November 19, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Haywood Funeral Home, 2415 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.  Interment will follow at Carolina Biblical Gardens, 1530 Creech Road, Garner, NC 27529.

Richard is survived by his son, Richard Haywood of Asheville, NC, daughter Jasmine Van Dyke, brother David Haywood, sisters Doris Moore and Carolyn Haywood all of Raleigh, NC;  niece Linda King of Raleigh, nephew Chris King of  Murrhardt, Germany, niece Shelia Jones of St. Louis, MO, grandsons Jeremiah Haywood and Christian Van Dyke both of Raleigh and Jett McKinney of Asheville, NC and a nephew Andrew Haywood of Raleigh, NC.

Richard Bennett Haywood, Jr. was born on August 29, 1956, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to the late Richard Bennett Haywood, Sr. and Naomi Andrews Haywood. He was the fifth of seven children, and his large, loving family helped shape his natural ability to connect effortlessly with people.  At a young age, Richard moved in with his sister Doris—much to their mother’s dismay—but only a short distance up the road. There, he became a big-brother to his niece and nephew, Linda and Chris King. He cherished memories of their time together, filled with funky music and Friday-night pizza parties. Through Linda, he was introduced to one of her closest high-school friends, Ms. Diane McFadden.  As the story goes, Linda lost a best friend, and Richard gained a devoted and loving wife. Richard and Diane shared 35 wonderful years together. Richard attended Oberlin School, Sherwood Bates Elementary, Daniels Junior High School, and graduated from Broughton High School in 1975. He was a good student and well respected by his peers, remembered for his welcoming smile and warm demeanor. At his recent 50-year reunion, he reconnected joyfully with many classmates. Despite that gentle smile, Richard possessed a deadly left-handed jump shot of which he was very proud. He was an excellent basketball player who competed in YMCA and local travel leagues, continuing into his late 30s. He treasured the camaraderie of his teammates and opponents.  A devoted fan of the North Carolina Tar Heels, Richard rarely missed a chance to cheer them on.

After high school, Richard took time off before enrolling at St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education with aspirations of becoming a teacher. Throughout high school and college, he worked at Carolina Country Club, where his relationship with Mr. Cliff Benson led him toward a different career path. Richard joined Carolina Builders in the early 1980s, where he met one of his lifelong best friends, Mr. Henry Warren. Known for his remarkable work ethic and dependability, Richard was a dedicated employee. Carolina Builders became Stock Building Supply, and Richard continued to work there until 2010. After Stock, Richard moved to Thompson Cadillac, where he was equally admired. Richard’s greatest passions were his family and his community. He and Diane raised their children, Richard and Jasmine, to share that same love of family and service. Richard was the best brother, uncle, cousin, father, spouse, friend, and neighbor anyone could ask for. No matter the need, he was only a phone call away, always willing to help in any way he could. Richard also took great pride in being an active and devoted grandfather. He rarely missed Jeremiah’s practices or games and loved cheering him on from the sidelines. He was always eager to hear about Jett’s soccer and delighted in watching his youngest grandson, Christian, explore the world with boundless curiosity. 

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