Obituary

Remembering Paul E. Haywood

Paul E. Haywood, age 79, of Grand Rapids passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Paul was a self-employed contractor for many years until his retirement. He loved sports, going to the casino, the Muskegon racetrack, fishing and above all else, his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence B. Haywood; brother, Lawrence Breyound Haywood; and his former wife, Mary Haywood.

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Amy Haywood, Jennifer (Raymond) Flynn; grandchildren, Amiya, Alayna, Sydney; great grandchildren, Alahni, Julianna; mother, Marie Haywood; siblings, Laura (Curtis) Purnell, Crystal Haywood Myers, Sid (Mary Jo) Haywood; sister-in-law, Rosie Haywood; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday, July 16 from 10 am to noon at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood. Burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the American Heart Association.  

Service Information

Visitation and Funeral Details

Visitation

Thursday, July 16 · 10:00am - 12:00pm

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Tribute Messages

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My Heart goes out to the Haywood Family ( Amy, Jennifer, and their children and grand children) along with the rest of our family that shared a mutual Love for Uncle Paul. He was all around a great guy and would help others with anything that he could. When I was a teenager he taught me how to maintain of my car and the importance of taking care of it. He was always caring, loving a great example of an amazing man. It was so good to see him at the Belcher reunion this summer. I will always cherish the great memories! You will surely be missed! Love ya always Uncle Paul RIH God's love is in you! Thanks for being a great Uncle!

— Terri Sleet

Hey Big Daddy, you know you will hold a special place in my heart. You were always so easy to talk to. The fun banter between the two of us. And just so you know now I can tell you I don’t have the biggest booty.😆😆😆 ok it is. lol. Although I won’t be able to make you fudge or baked spaghetti it will always make me think of you. I love how when I came to visit you made me feel like family. I love how you always wanted to hear about my travels. Paul until we meet again I will hold on to all the precious memories. Just know I will forever celebrate your life. I will always help your family keep your memory alive. If they get out of line I will call them what you do when your mad.😂😂😂 xoxo

— Lachelle Bunn

Brother cuz you will be forever in my heart. I shall never forget your protective manner in protecting all your sisters from danger. Phillip and you took an old mattress out on our lawn and gave us lessons on self defense. In honor of you a Wisteria plant will grace our Butterfly garden in your memory of you and Mary. See you soon. Judyann , Jim

— James & Judy Franks

My deepest condolences to all the Haywood family members

— Christene Baker

Sending my deepest condolences to the Haywood family! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this time.

— Rachel Mayhawk

Sending all my love to Jennifer, Amy and their families. May Uncle Paul rest in peace.

— Patricia Estrada

We will always remember you Paul. You came into our lives and filled them with your love. You looked at my daughter as she was your granddaughter and she loved you oh so much. No words could ever describe how thankful I am that we knew you. We love you. May you rest in peace ❤️

— Amber, Eva & Dawn

This right here truly breaks my heart. Uncle Paul was my favorite uncle, and this news is devastating to me! Looking back at all our memories, growing up with Amiya and Alayna, all the laughs we had together or the times he would come in made sure I was making something in the kitchen that he could eat to! Or when he would tell me he bought some peanut butter just so I can make him a pan of fudge that he damn sure don’t wanna share with anyone else, it always made me so happy knowing how much he loved my fudge. I’ll never forget that you showed me and Alayna how to jab jab uppercut anyone in case someone tried us on the streets, or that story about how you beat up the police officer in Lowell in your younger days. My Uncle Paul was an Aries just like me, we shared that same stubborn, fiery spirit. He lived life his own way, and that's something I'll always remember and admire. Rest peacefully, Uncle. You'll always have a special place in my heart, and I'll carry these memories with me forever. Until we meet again. ❤️

— Jada

Sorry for your loss of Paul I have many memories of him playing softball down on the family land just about every weekend in the summer

— Mike Heiman

Sending my condolences and prayers to the Haywood family.I loved your dad he was my godfather.he was my casino buddy,he also liked playing cards and going on family trips. He will be missed but never be forgotten. R.I.P. Tami Maldag

— Tami maldag

He was an all-around great guy. I hunted with him fish with him, went to the casino with him. He will truly be missed love playing cards I love this guy. Paul will be able to listen to his song down by the boondocks whenever he wants. rest in heaven, Paul.

— Gilbert Arizola

My Deepest condolences to the family and friends.Papa loved spending time with his family.Paul loved being around people that made him laugh.He knew that the biggest jackpot in life he won was that of his two girls.and I pray he get to catch golden fish in heaven.A true friend I will miss you. Till we meet again.

— Shannon Garcia

There are no words that can truly express how much my Papa meant to me. He was the greatest grandpa anyone could ever ask for, and I feel so incredibly blessed to have been loved by him. His kindness, strength, wisdom, and unconditional love shaped so much of who I am. I will forever cherish every memory we made together—the laughter we shared, the stories he told, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely. Those moments will remain in my heart for the rest of my life. Papa, you are deeply loved and terribly missed every single day. Although my heart aches without you here, I find comfort in believing you are in heaven, watching over me and my daughters with the same love and protection you always showed us. I hope you know how much you meant to us and how your love will continue to live on through our family. Thank you for being the greatest Papa on earth. Until we meet again, I will carry you with me in my heart, honor your memory, and love you always. Thank you for all the fun visits to the fair , the circus and most improtantly being the greatest papa to Alahni and Julianna love always your grand daughter - Alayna

— Alayna Haywood

Sending My Prayer To My Cousins Amy & Jennifer & The Entiire Haywood Family…Uncle Paul You Will Be Truly Missed…I Love You Eternally

— Latisha Callahan

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