Floyd Hero Honored in Road Naming
The following first appeared in The Floyd Press on October 3, 2020
A group of Hayden family members and friends gathered at the Mt. Zion Christian Church late last month for the unveiling of the Hayden Place road sign, marking the completion of New River Valley’s Habitat for Humanity’s seven-unit single family homes and celebrating the life of William “Bill” Curtis Hayden.
“Today we celebrate Bill Hayden’s achievements and the seven first-time owners who are part of this development,” said Habitat’s Executive Director Jim Drader in his introduction. “Each home represents a new beginning, a dream fulfilled and a step towards insuring decent affordable housing in Floyd County. It’s a powerful testament to the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home, reflecting the mission of Habitat for Humanity NRV,” Drader continued.
Bill Hayden, who passed away in 2020, was a “testament to service, leadership and love of family and community,” said Drader. He referred to Hayden as a “true pioneer and beloved figure in Floyd County” and outlined his accomplishments as a WWII Navy veteran, a founder and captain of the first Floyd Rescue Squad, the first black Board of Supervisor, head of the Floyd County NAACP and a member of the Shriners and Masons.
Hayden and his wife Connie, who attended the event, raised six daughters in the Newtown Community and was a respected elder at Mt. Zion Christian Church, as well as an accomplished brick mason.
“I was drafted by the six daughters to be the spokesperson for the Hayden family,” said Hayden’s son-in-law Lewis Stuart from the podium. “It’s such a delight to have everyone here enjoying and celebrating this momentous occasion. Even though Bill was a humble man, he would have loved this,” he said.
Stuart led the gathering in a song by John Denver, Country Road, with some Floyd County references added to the lyrics. He and other family members shared stories of Hayden and growing up in the Newtown community.
“I’m a Newtown kid,” said Coach Winfred Beale, noting that Hayden was a role model that provided leadership and opportunity for so many in the community. “Many of us were raised by everyone in the community. I spent as much time in the Hayden house as I did my own. I called Connie my second mom,” he said.
Karen Baker, who is running for Congress in the district, spoke briefly to the crowd about the importance of affordable housing in Southwest Virginia. She mentioned meeting President Jimmy Carter, who is about to turn 100, saying, “For most of us he is how we learned about Habitat for Humanity.”
Baker initiated a round of applause as she noted that Habitat for Humanity existed before Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter’s involvement and will exist after them. “Habitat for Humanity has grown and grown over the years as an international force.”
Supervisor Linda DeVito spoke of the importance of “making a difference in people’s lives.” She commended the extensive role that Habitat NRV played in conjunction with Floyd’s County Administrators, and gave a shout out to Lydeana Martin, Floyd’s Community Economic Development Director, for her extensive role and vision in making the Habitat homes possible. “The state of Virginia is looking at us as leaders. We should all be proud,” DeVito said.
Among the memorabilia displayed in honor of Bill Hayden’s life were family photos, military medals, rescue squad badges and a 2013 letter from Delegate Nick Rush thanking Hayden for his years of military service, his commitment to church and for being “an excellent role model for people of all ages.” Colleen Redman
