Thomas Mitchell Hayden Sr., 83, of Woodford died on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, in the same house in Caroline County where he was born.

Mr. Hayden was born on April 30, 1935, to George Frank and Clara Hayden. He was one of seven children. He inherited a strong work ethic from his parents and loved helping his father on the family farm. He had a deep appreciation for the land that had been in his family for generations. He served in the Virginia National Guard for 12 years, and he held a number of jobs in his lifetime. He was a true jack of all trades. He ran a service station in downtown Fredericksburg, worked as a carpenter and for many years owned and operated Hayden’s Trucking, delivering for Frackelton Block Co. He was happiest working on his tractor or tinkering in his shop. Mr. Hayden was a real character known for telling jokes. He had a huge heart and would do anything to help a friend. He enjoyed hunting with his son and his buddies. He was a member of the Sparta Hunt Club for many years. He belonged to the local Moose, Eagles and Elks lodges. He also had been a member of Round Oak Baptist Church since he was a boy.Mr. Hayden spoiled his children and grandchildren, but he also gave them the gift of his time and wisdom. He let them tag along for deliveries on his block truck. He taught them how to milk a cow. He encouraged his son to drive the tractor almost from the time his feet could reach the pedals. He relished teaching his then 7-year-old grandson to drive on the farm in his banged-up Mazda pickup.

Survivors include daughter Betty Marie Hayden Snider and son-in-law Robert Snider; son Thomas Mitchell “Mitch” Hayden Jr. and daughter-in-law Nedra Hayden; nephew Thomas G. Hayden, who was like a second son; Joyce Hayden, the mother of his children; and five grandsons, Kyle Snider, Michael Hayden, Brandon Snider, Dakota Hayden and Luke Hayden; and a number of nieces and nephews. The family also wants to thank their neighbors, the Mooney family, for all they have done for Mr. Hayden over the years.

The family will receive friends at Storke Funeral Home in Bowling Green from 4-6 p.m. Sunday. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. at Round Oak Baptist Church in Corbin, with Dr. Randolph M. Newsome Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in the family cemetery. Pallbearers will be Thomas G. Hayden, Eugene Mooney, Jordan Mooney, Johnny Sale, Larry Blankenbaker and Bill Andrews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to Round Oak Baptist, P.O. Box 129, Corbin, VA 22446.