Solomon Haywood,Sr.

Solomon Haywood, Sr., was born May 10, 1936 in Halifax, North Carolina to the late Rebecca Haywood. On January 8, 2015 he peacefully transition from his earthly home and save arrived at his new home in heaven. Solomon was reared by his maternal aunt, Emma Haywood, and grandmother, Hester Haywood who loved and cared for him throughout his formative years. It was doing those years Solomon learned the importance of compassion and sensitivity to the needs of others. He was educated in the Halifax County Public School System in North Carolina. While attending school Solomon learned the importance of committing to a task until the job was completed. At an early age Solomon developed a strong work ethic which became a daily part of his character. As a teen Solomon relocated to Richmond with his aunt Emma and his grandmother Hester A. Haywood, where he learned the craft of tailoring. Gifted with his creative abilities he quickly found a job as a tailor at Eljo’s Men's Clothing Store in downtown Richmond and at Azalea Mall. For several years he mended, altered and made men's suits. It was because of his desire to accomplish much in life established goals for himself desiring to improve the quality of life for himself. In 1959, Solomon married the love of his life, Arnell Easter, and to this union five children were born Michele, Claudia, Nicole, Solomon and Spencer Haywood. It was doing the early 60s that Solomon became a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, where he was still an active member. He was a member of the Male Chorus and the Holy Rosary Gospel Choir under the direction of Dr. Joseph Robinson. Solomon loved his church participated for many years and The Passion Play, “What a Week for Jesus” playing the role of a soldier. In November 1973 Solomon became an active member of the Knights of Columbia, Father Charles O’Leary Council 6457 at Holy Rosary. Solomon rose through the ranks and became Treasurer of the Council service for more than 20 years. Solomon also participated in the Fourth Degree active member of the Msgr. John J McMahon Assembly 2205 Richmond, VA. Solomon Haywood was a trailblazer, an astute businessman and entrepreneur. In the early 70’s, he became the first black man to work as an insurance agent with Prudential Life Company of America in Richmond. After twenty- five years of dedicated service Solomon retired from Prudential Life Insurance Company. After retiring, he became the co-founder of Associated Insurance Company, Inc., where he sold life and health, property-casualty, and investment insurance. He also found the time to open his own restaurant in addition to owning rental property. Solomon’s zest for life and love for people guided him to work as a taxicab driver for Manhattan Taxi Company. He worked for Manhattan Taxi Company for many years before acquiring his very own taxi cab company, Metropolitan Cab Company. Solomon proved to be an outstanding businessman, managing the company with a fleet of ten operating taxi cabs. Solomon transported the young, the old, the rich, the poor, the sick and the infirmed. Solomon would always provide transportation to those in need whether they could afford the service or not. One of the highlights of his transportation career was the time he transported NBA basketball players, Mr. Charles Oakley and Mr. Ben Wallace. He proved sports including NFL football, NBA basketball and tennis. Solomon was a quiet, gentle gifted man. He possessed the gift of compassion and was always looking for ways to help his fellow man. It was intent and desire to help young black men become productive citizens. Solomon provided jobs for many who needed employment. Solomon never forgot those famous words shared by his elders, “it matters not where you come from but what you do when you get there.” Solomon was a wonderful husband, loving father and proud grandfather, where he instilled in his children that education is the key to success. He enjoyed traveling with his family to Toronto, Canada, Denver, Colorado, New Orleans, LA, and Las Vegas, NV. Atlantic City, NJ, several cruises and most of all to the beautiful island of Aruba where he visited several times. Solomon Haywood, Sr., was predeceased by three sisters, Maggie Fleming, Eva Whitaker Bower and Beulah Whitaker Daniels; two brothers, William and Clinton Whitaker. Leaving to treasure his memory to his loving wife Arnell E. Haywood, three loving daughters, Michele Heywood (Germantown, MD.) Claudia Haywood (son-in-law, Terry McMurry), Clarksburg,MD., Nicole Mehlbrech( son-in-law, Stephen Cresskill, NJ; two attentive sons, Solomon Heywood,Jr., Chesterfield, VA and Spencer Haywood, Sr.,Henrico, VA; seven caring grandchildren, Juanita Wilkerson, Sierra Mehlbrech, Justin Mehlbrech,Aiya McMurry, Quinnton McMurry, Spencer Haywood, Jr.,Lela Cauthorne and Ayshia Cauthorne and many devoted nephews nieces cousins and friends

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Solomon Haywood,Sr.

May 10, 1936 - January 8, 2015