NORWALK, CONN On Tuesday February 24, 2026, Joe Nathan Haywood decided he was going home to be with the Lord and followed the light to the heavenly gates of eternal rest. Joe Nathan Haywood was born on April 26, 1932, in Rhine, Georgia, to the late James Robert Haywood Sr. and Annie Blanche Walker. At a young age, his family relocated to Delray Beach, Florida, where he attended Spady Elementary School and later graduated from Carver High School in 1951. Following his graduation, Joe enlisted in the United States Army and faithfully served his country during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. After receiving an honorable discharge, he continued his education by attending classes at Tuskegee University in Alabama until 1955. He then relocated to Stamford, Connecticut, with a friend. While there, he met the love of his life, Rose Ellison. The two were united in marriage on September 2, 1956 and were blessed with five children. They made their home in Stamford until 1965, when they purchased a house in Norwalk, Connecticut and became devoted members of Community Baptist Church. Joe enjoyed staying active and involved in his community. He volunteered his time coaching youth at the YMCA Biddy Basketball League and also supported youth programs at the Carver Community Center. He especially enjoyed taking road trips to visit Rose's hometown in Pennsylvania whenever the opportunity arose. Joe was employed at Mt. Vernon Die Casting from 1956-1981 until the company relocated to Chicago IL. He continued his career with Pitney Bowes, where he worked from 1983 until his retirement in 1996. Joe was predeceased by his daughter, Andrea R. Haywood, and his sons, Joseph M. Haywood and Wayne P. Haywood, both of whom proudly served in the US Air Force. He leaves to cherish his memories his beloved wife of 70 years, Rose E. Haywood: daughter, Karen D. Haywood: and son, Mark A. Haywood. His grandchildren: Charles A. Miller, Jr., Rodnae K. Miller, Brandon W. Rembert, Gregory T. McCalla and Candyce N. McCalla. Great grandchildren: Gabrielle Lafayette, Alivia Rose Miller, Arianna Gonzalez, Isaiah McCalla and Grayson McCalla. He was the last of seven children, predeceased by his sisters, Arsoreda Bethel, Ella Mae Jackson, and Ruby Jones Sharp: and his brothers, James R. Haywood Jr., Walter Haywood, and Alton Haywood. In-laws: Lancaster Ellison Sr., Lillie Belle Ellison, brother-in-law, Lancaster Ellison, Jr. and sister in-law, Irene Jackson. He also leaves to cherish his memories a host of nieces, nephews and family and friends. Interment will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 1:30PM in Willowbrook Cemetery, 395 Main Street, Westport. The Raymond Funeral Home of Norwalk is directing the arrangements.