Dr. John Haywood Jr.

Dr. John Thomas Haywood, best known as J.T. or J, passed away March 16, 2020. He was a member of Cahaba Heights United Methodist Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruth Haywood; brother, George Haywood; and sister, Louise H. Griffin.

He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Peggy Haywood; daughter, Denise H. Kostakis (John); son, John Timothy Haywood (Anita); and grandchildren, Johnathon Kostakis (Katie), Laurel Kostakis Lunceford (Jon), John Tyler Haywood (Jesse), Allie Tayler Haywood, and James Thomas Haywood.

After serving in the U.S. Navy 1952-1956, J.T. enrolled in Howard College, later named Samford University. In 1962, he joined the faculty as an Instructor in Health and Physical Education. In the 1970's, he developed the Intramural Program. He revitalized a baseball program, serving as coach 1983-1987.

J.T. retired from Samford as a full Professor in 1996 and was added to the Samford Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007. In 2013, the J.T. Haywood Field House was built in his honor.

Graveside service will be private for family only. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Interment will be in Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South.