Robert Ray Haywood Sr.

Robert Ray Haywood, a consummate lover of NASCAR, made 72 successful laps around the track of life. A very spirited, witty, handsome, and generous man, it was clear to all who knew him that he loved and cherished his family above all else. It’s also quite possible, one might say, motor vehicles came in second. Not only did he have a joyful passion for his tractor, truck, and motorcycle, his career as a Heavy Equipment Operator spanned 50 years and he often regaled his family with stories of his time working in the gravel pit.

In addition to being the driver in his pursuits, Robert assumed the positions of Spotter and Crew Chief Leader. His selfless, caring roles included getting toast and milk in the morning, dressing the kids up in princess clothes, watching cartoons with them, driving them around on his tractor, sharing stories of his life, or simply enjoying a conversation about how crazy the world is. A great advice giver, Robert was known for asking, “Do you see any concern in this eye?”, or affirming those under stress that even if everything went wrong, it would be okay as long as they had tried. He taught his offspring to be strong and brave, to know right from wrong, and embrace a hard work ethic. “Work hard, enjoy your life, and never have to rely on anybody else,” were words he often uttered. The engine of Robert’s wisdom was generously greased with corny jokes, silly sung songs, talking in a goofy voice, and being the life of the party.

Robert's track time included a variety of Pit Stops. Frequenting country bars where he loved to dance was a favorite pastime. He relished watching and collecting NASCAR memorabilia. Often he would take family members to the cemetery to plant and water flowers on the family graves of his wife Susan, parents Harold and Gladys, and his sisters Joan Fultz and Jean Davis. Robert enjoyed a temperate day where he could mow his lawn, feed the wildlife in his yard, and visit with family. He would fill his personal tank with a cold Budweiser, bread and butter pickles, olives, and maybe some venison. Creative and resourceful, he built a trailer for his lawn mower, a table for his shed, and his very own special signature smile face which he drew on everything.

Like any NASCAR driver, a few penalties fell on the run of his younger years when he tried to avoid the caution flag. Those include the time he not just drove his motorcycle in the bedroom but ended up going through the bedroom door. Or lighting off a firecracker in the house and scaring his older sister Joan who thought the house was going to catch fire. The house didn’t burn then but on another occasion, Robert did manage to burn down the outhouse.

Robert’s successful race was achieved with the assistance of his extraordinary pit crew: his 3 children, Susan, Vikki, and Robert Jr.; 9 grandchildren, Dale Fultz, Michael Jr. and Matthew Loftin, Richie the II and Lillian Ritchie, Emily Turnbull, Angel Kight, and Jamie and Hailey Sleder; great grandchild, Delilah Turnball; sisters, Jane Slieff and Jennie Tallmadge; and brothers, Harold Jr and Frank Haywood.

As he crossed the finish line for the last time, the collective words of his family members sum up the championship qualities of this cherished man, “Thank you for being the best papa. I’ll do my best to make you proud. Thank you for taking care of me and for all the memories. I’ll never forget you. I love you so much, Grandpa.”

A visitation for Robert will be held Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Hill Funeral Home, 11723 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, MI followed by a funeral service at 1:30 PM. An interment will occur at Evergreen Cemetery, 3415 Hill Road, Grand Blanc, MI.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillfh.com for the Haywood family.