Hayward Lee Ross, age 59, of 555 Poor’s Ford Rd Lot #27 Rutherfordton, NC went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 13, 2021 at Hospice of The Carolina Foothills. Hayward was a native of Rutherford County and son of the late Herbert Lee Williams and Betty Ross. He was retired from Fast Foods. Hayward excelled in baseball, football, and basketball while attending East High School. He helped coach youth football and played American Legion baseball for Post 74. Hayward was a fan of Tar Heels Football and The Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

In addition to his parents Hayward was preceded in death by his sisters Mary Ann Funches and Millie Lue Wilkie and brothers Johnny Lee Williams and Sammy Williams.

Those left to cherish his memory include his spouse Gloria Wilkins of the home; daughter Jacqueline Crystal Scott of Asheville, son Jamestric Kelly of Louisville, Ky.; step children Maurice Wilkins (Sharika), Danielle Shelton and Nicole Joiner; brothers Larry Ross (Gigi) of Forest City, Tony Ross (Angie) of Forest City, Ronnie Ross (Shanna) of Charlotte and Leonard Ross of Forest City, Herbert Lee Williams Jr. (Wiliena) of Chesnee, Travis Williams (Frances) of Forest City, Lewis K. Williams (Lottie) of Spindale, Joe N. Williams (Nannette) of Lake Lure; sisters Joyce L. Williams of Forest City, Tami W. Hinton (Chris); nieces and nephews including Angela Elder, Anthony Thompson, Tommy Thompson (Karen), Michael Thompson, Penni Keyes, Marci Pryor (Eric), and Maurice "Reece" Wilkie; and a host of other nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

A Memorial service will be held 2 PM Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at Crowe's Chapel. 118 College Avenue, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 with Rev. Keith L. Lipsey officiating.