J. C. Haywood

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

James Calvin, J.C., Haywood was born September 30, 1945 in Redland, OK to Calvin James Haywood and Dollie May England Haywood. He attended school in Gans, OK. After school he worked various jobs until following his passion to train race horses. 

J. C. married his wife and life partner Terri Ann Shermer on December 20, 1969. They made their home in Sallisaw but traveled throughout Texas, Colorado and New Mexico for the fair meets. When parimutuel came to Blue Ribbon Downs he became a valet, saddling horses in the paddock and tending to various riders tack including Larry Payne, Steve Harris, Troy Crissup and Tommy Byrd. After stepping away from racing he worked at American Limousine and Federal Coach until he retired to live in Joplin, MO where he served beside Terri in the church.

J. C. entered into eternity September 14, 2024 in his home with family at his side, after a long battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife, Terri, of the home, two sons, Justin Haywood and wife Julie of Sallisaw, OK and Cyle Haywood and wife, Megan, of Lowell, KS; two daughters, Lesslie Horn-Sims, Muldrow, OK and Shila Horn Alvarez and husband, Manuel, of Muldrow, OK; 8 grandchildren, Tarran Bankston, Tiffany Mayfield, Avery Haywood, Tyler Haywood; Jace Haywood, MacKenzie Haywood, Easton Haywood and Molly Alvarez; and 4 great grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Myrtle Sue Woodward; Wanda DeCanter; Barbara Jean Haywood; two brothers, David Haywood and Jimmy Lee Haywood.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 19, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. at Oronogo Church on the Hill, 176 South 4th Street, Oronogo, MO, where family will receive friends. Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday, September 21 at 1:00 pm. at Blue Ribbon Fellowship Chapel, Sallisaw, OK with fellowship after. Interment of ashes will be a private ceremony at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN




Cremation has been entrusted to Hedge-Lewis Funeral Home of Webb City, MO.