James Randle Hayward Sr.

OBITUARY James R. Hayward, also known as “Slope,” was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend to many. He was born on August 30, 1939, son of the late Littleton James Hayward and Mattie Nixon Hayward. On December 11, 2022, James took his flight and was called home to be with the Lord at Tidal Health Peninsula Regional Hospital in Salisbury, Maryland. James was reared in Somerset County, Maryland and attended Greenwood Elementary and Somerset High. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, shooting pool, singing and he fell in love with the game UNO, which he never wanted to lose. James was a hard working man who provided for his children and loving wife Mary. James didn't always have it easy as a child, growing up and working on various farms with his dad. At times had to miss school to milk cows and perform other work that was needed. He loved playing football, basketball and was also a member of the track and field team and the school chorus, entering various competitions. He even appeared on television to sing. This was a man who loved family, and gave the very best that he could so that neither his wife or children would go without food and shelter. As a young man, he took on several jobs to go along with his job at Branch Electric, formerly known as Art Craft and Central Supply, where he served as a truck driver and warehouse worker. After 10 years of service, James retired from Branch Electric in Salisbury, Maryland. Even though he retired from his job as a truck driver, he continued to serve as Pastor and Superintendent under Bishop James Eure, Sr., Bishop George Fletcher and currently under Bishop Paul R. Harmon. Pastor Hayward and his wife Mary began a work out of their home in Dogtown (Princess Anne), Maryland under the leadership of Pastor Porter Deal. Later a church building was built in Princess Anne, MD in the town of Greenwood, where the late Porter Deal pastored at the time, and is now pastored by his son, Superintendent Ronald Deal. There were some real good times at St. Michaels C.O.G.IC. Pastor Hayward was elevated from Deacon to Minister and was later ordained as an Elder under the leadership of the late Bishop James Eure, Sr., who pastored Holy Temple on Delaware Avenue in Salisbury, Maryland and various other churches. Pastor James Hayward was not only a preacher but he was a teacher, and well known for singing. Denying many offers to go on the road singing with various famous Quartet groups, he decided that it was best that he stay close to home where he could take care of his family. Singing in the St. Michaels COGIC Quartet, which he always said that he got tricked into by the late Elder Weeks, there was a group formed with the late Elder Weeks, Elder J. Chandler, Elder Spotwoood Jackson and Elder Bought Nite. Later there was a group formed called the Big Brothers of St. Michaels COGIC. James leaves to cherish his life: his wife of 63 years, Mary Steward Hayward; his children, James R. Hayward, Jr. (Sylvia); Tamera Jernigan (Veneer), Michael Hayward, Chrindia Johnson, Tony Hayward, Sr. and Christina Ballard; brother, Littleton “Leon” (Geraldine) Hayward; two sisters, Frances (Benjamin) McBride and Mary (Archie) Jones: one goddaughter, Wylene Cameron and a host of grandchildren, great-grand, nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Littleton and Mattie Hayward he was preceded in death by two sisters, Mattie Johnson and Phyllis McBride, one brother, Edward Hayward, his daughter, Deborah Harrison and two grandsons, Shannon Cottman and Josiah Johnson.

James Randle Hayward Sr.

August 30, 1939 - December 11, 2022