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In Loving Memory of Willard Irvin Haithcock, Jr. (1944 - 2021)

Honoring a Life of Service, Family, and Community

y building

Willard Irvin Haithcock, Jr. (August 31, 1944 – June 15, 2021) was a long-time member and board member of the Henderson Family YMCA. Born in Kinston, NC, Willard cherished his family, enjoyed fast cars, loved a good buffet, and was deeply committed to the YMCA. He played multiple sports in high school, was an excellent golfer, and a frustrated tennis player in his adult years. Willard graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in business.

As an only child, Willard met and married the love of his life, Nancy, the youngest of eight siblings. Their 55-year marriage was a testament to love, devotion, and commitment. Nancy never had to pump gas, wash the car, or clean the floors—Willard took care of it all. Every morning of their marriage, he brewed coffee and brought her a cup.

Willard was a devoted father and grandfather. From the day his daughter, Julia, was born, he made sure her future well-being was secure. He loved watching his son, Heath, play sports, rarely missing a game. Willard often traveled for hours to watch his granddaughter, Leah, play sports or compete in horse shows. Heath once said of his dad, “He gave me the freedom to be myself."

A man of simple pleasures and even simpler tastes, Willard had little patience for pretense. He was not one for arrogance or condescension. He never drove a new car, used a computer, or owned a cell phone. Throughout his long membership at the YMCA, he carried his workout clothes in a worn-out duffle bag. Many people offered to replace it, but he always politely declined, saying, “This one works just fine.”

Willard was a hard worker. As the owner of Sunset Gardens Cemetery, he could often be found working on or operating equipment. Even at 75 years old, he was seen in the cemetery with a shovel, spade, and rake, often in the heat of summer. A fixture at the wellness center and a dedicated board member, Willard loved the YMCA and embraced its mission to be “for all.” He often remarked that he had made several lifelong friends at the Y—friends he would never have met otherwise.

With rare sincerity and purity of spirit, Willard made others feel special and valued. In his memory, his family established two annual scholarships at the Henderson Family YMCA.

Purpose and Goals

The Willard Irvin Haithcock Membership Scholarship supports individuals and families who demonstrate a need for YMCA membership and can benefit from its mission to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. This scholarship aims to foster community engagement, wellness, and a sense of belonging.

Eligibility & Criteria

To apply for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Positive impact within the YMCA community
  • Complete the scholarship application
  • Submit the application by April 20, 2025
  • Award announced May 1, 2025

How to Apply

Please complete and submit the application to be considered for the scholarship.

CLICK HERE AND SUBMIT YOUR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Application Deadline & Award Date

  • Application Deadline: April 20, 2025
  • Award Announcement: May 1, 2025

The generosity of the Willard Irvin Haithcock Membership Scholarship, helps support community members in need of YMCA membership and ensures that Willard’s legacy of kindness and commitment to wellness continues to impact others.