Lester Howell Haywood, 69, of Carthage, died Friday, April 18, 2008, at his home after several weeks of illness.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. today (Sunday, April 20), at First Baptist Church, with the Rev. Tom Herndon officiating. Burial will follow in Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mr.. Haywood was a native of Norman in Richmond County, a son of the late Jennie Ann Macon and Charlie Benson Haywood. He was a graduate of Ellerbe High School, and later retired as a supervisor at J. P. Stevens Carpet Plant, Aberdeen. He and his wife, Laura, then operated The Pottery Shop, in the Theatre Building, in Pinehurst. He was also a greeter at The Fresh Market, Southern Pines.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Benson Haywood; and seven sisters, Veola Hill, Bertha Grant, Donnie Mae Williams, Frances Treece, Blanche Bennett, Pauline Thomas and Margaret Lowdermilk.

Mr. Haywood is survived by his wife, Laura Dowd McKenzie Haywood; a son, Terry N. Haywood and his wife, Carolyn, of High Point; a daughter, Lisa H. Prince and her husband, Rodney, of West End; two stepsons, Robert E. McKenzie and his wife, Katherine, of Landrum, S.C., and Charlie B. McKenzie and his wife, Cynthia, of Carthage; a brother, C. B. Haywood Jr., of Norman; three grandsons, Alex Prince, Tyler Prince and Matthew McKenzie; five stepgrandchildren, Christy Tarlton, Virginia Scott, Amanda Caviness, Sean McDaniel and Patrick McDaniel; and seven stepgreat-grandchildren.

Memorials may be sent to the Cameron Boys Home, First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 824, Carthage, NC 28327.

Condolences may be made at www.fryandprickett.com.

Fry and Prickett Funeral Home, Carthage, is assisting the family.