Born in Lutcher, Louisiana on January 10, 1950, Hayward graduated from Leon Godchaux High School in Reserve, Louisiana where he met his high school sweetheart, Anita Fortino of Laplace, Louisiana. He graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and English literature. Hayward and Anita married in 1972 in Laplace, Louisiana and raised their two sons. After working for Illinois Central Railroad as a trackman then foreman, he transferred to Kentucky in 1987 to continue representing railroad workers serving as General Chairman of ICG Federation of Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way. He retired in 2020 after 47 years of service.
Hayward is survived by his wife, Anita and sons, Jude Granier (Caitlin) and Evan Granier (Kristin). He leaves behind 5 precious grandchildren: Elliott and Runa Granier residing in Westminster, Colorado and Shepard, Dane, and Mack Granier residing in Manakin Sabot, Virginia. “HayHay” was showered by hugs and kisses by all his grandchildren in his final days.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard Pershing Granier, Sr. (father), Louise C. Barbier (mother) and his sister, Phyllis Bourgeois. He is survived by his brothers, Richard Pershing Granier, Jr. and Francis Granier both of Louisiana; his sister, Brenda G. Boughan of Connecticut; and by many loved nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Hayward had a passion for his career, family, and enjoyed traveling. He spent numerous hours driving to lodge meetings, negotiations, and conventions representing RR workers. He relished in the fact that he gave a voice to employees who needed representation and support. He mentored many new lodge officers and formed lifelong friendships across his region. On the home front, Hayward was known as “Mr. Fixit” since he always had a project and could repair any household job. After retiring he took great interest in yard work, gardening and landscaping. He relished the time he spent in his yard every day. Although he worked hard, he spent most of his spare time reading and watching history documentaries.
After being diagnosed with cancer in 2020, he underwent extensive treatments of chemotherapy and radiation at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Cancer Center in Paducah, Kentucky. Under the care of Dr. Chua, Dr. Locken and a dedicated staff, Hayward received excellent attention and care making weekly treatments as comfortable and as encouraging as possible.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to: American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 2167, Lexington, KY 40588; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959; or plant a tree in his name.
No funeral arrangements are final. Later in July a “Celebration of Life” ceremony will be scheduled for family and friends to attend.
Byrn Funeral Home in Mayfield, KY is in charge of arrangements.