| Graduation Year | Class of 1981 |
| Date of Passing | Dec 17, 2017 |
| About | Bowling Green - William Earl Haynes, (Bill) and (BHaynes), 53, of Sandy Springs, GA, formerly of Bowling Green, died a tragic and untimely death on December 17 in Sandy Springs, GA. He was born September 7, 1963 in Warren County, KY. Bill was employed as a music and drama teacher at E Rivers Elementary School in Peachtree Heights near Mid-Town Atlanta. Much of his early career was directing high school bands: Ohio County High School and Greenville High School Band, both in Kentucky; Hardaway High School in Columbus, GA; and founding band director of Centennial High School in Roswell, GA. While at Centennial, he also began working with the Alpharetta City Band. He continued with the city band for the remainder of his life and made many lifelong friends. After several years at Centennial, and remembering his love of teaching beginning band students, he became the band director of Creekview Elementary with principal, Matt Rogers. He later joined Mr. Rogers at E Rivers Elementary in Atlanta Public Schools. Being able to work with Matt again fulfilled his dream and he continued with elementary music and drama until his passing. Music was Bill's passion and he loved sharing it with others. No matter the need, Bill was always ready to help his friends and co-workers. Bill is remembered for his giving spirit and generous soul. He helped anyone with anything: with computer problems (he was quite a "techie"), helping with music (playing in their concert bands and orchestras to help "fill in" during school musicals and concerts) and any friend in need however he could help. Bill began his music career at age 12 when he came home from school carrying a somewhat battered, old baritone horn. Thus, became a lifelong love of all brass instruments and many years of marching band. Being allowed to go to Europe as a freshman in the BGHS band, directed by his beloved Cecil Karrick, was considered an honor. This was his first and only trip out of the United States; he played concerts in various cities throughout Europe and he cherished those memories and experiences. He treasured any opportunity he had to play in one of Mr. Karrick's ensembles. While at Western Kentucky University, Bill ranked 14th in the International Tuba and Euphonium competition in Tuscon, AZ; this was an incredible achievement. Bill earned a music performance and music education degree from WKU. When the time came for the required student teaching, he came home after first day and said, "Now I know why you like teaching!" His mentoring band director turned him loose on a 5th grade beginning band group and he loved it! Thus, began his teaching career and his love of working with students. Bill also earned a Master's Degree in Music Education from Florida State University where he studied with the eminent music educator, James Croft. Bill's music talent went beyond teaching; he arranged all kinds of music and wrote marching band drill. He referred to the process as working a puzzle; arranging was putting the pieces together in ways that made the sound most pleasing. He was also an avid tech enthusiast-always excited for the newest technology and gadgets! He often combined the two interests, especially when arranging for bands in Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, and across the country. One of his favorite groups to arrange for and direct was the Pickerington Central High School music program in Ohio. Every summer since 1992, Bill attended band camp, rehearsed the band, worked with the brass groups, and got the Director of Bands, Michael Sewell, "tech" ready for the upcoming marching season. As a result, Bill and Mike were lifelong friends. Bill stayed with Mike's family, watched the four children grow up, and was always willing to provide an "emergency" arrangement on a moment's notice. In August 2016, Bill arranged a brass quintet score for the first Sewell kid wedding! He also assisted the Pickerington Tiger Band when they marched in The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC and The Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, CA. His interest in technology also brought him to the Georgia Multisport Productions family, founded by Jim Rainey. Bill served GMP in a variety of ways: setting up cones for the triathlons at 3:00 am, helping with the chip timing, uploading video material to the website, and doing whatever it took to make a successful race happen. Working for GMP was not a job for Bill, they were more like a family. Bill was blissfully happy in his relationship with Kiki (Yongshuai Lai). Together they enjoyed traveling, movies, shopping, and eating authentic Chinese cuisine. Bill's life is proof of goodness: his giving heart and genuine soul were beloved by many. Bill was preceded in death by his father, Charles Robert Haynes; his maternal grandparents, Anna Sears White Rowlison and William Ralph White; his paternal grandparents, Nova Dalton Haynes and Eldridge Earl Haynes; and his paternal aunt and uncle Doris (Willard) Haynes Edgar. He is survived by his devoted and loving companion, Yongshuai Lai and her son La Wei, to whom he loved being a doting father figure; his loving mother, Kay White, whose love for and pride in him will never end; his adoring sister who so loved her "big brother," Debra (Dave) Cross; niece, Bailey Cross and nephew, Chas Cross; his step-brother, Tom (Valerie) Zoretic, whom he loved and welcomed as a "little brother"; cousins, Kathy (Bruce) Kerr and Billy (Sherry) Edgar; his maternal aunt and uncle, Ruthanne (Larry) Hughes; and cousins, Andy (Heather) Hughes and Eric (Angela) Hughes; and a very special aunt, Marcella (Howard) Abbott. The Celebration of Life for Bill Haynes will be held at J.C. Kirby Funeral Chapel on Lovers Lane in Bowling Green, KY on December 27th , at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 26th , from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Tuesday from 9:00 am until the service at 11:00 am. Because Bill was a product of Bowling Green City Schools, because he loved teaching beginning band students and because his music career began with a school owned "loaner" horn, his family has founded a scholarship program to purchase beginner horns for Bowling Green students. The hope is that this fund will grow and students from the entire county will be able to benefit from the fund. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Bill Haynes Memorial Horn Fund at American Bank and Trust, 1302 Scottsville Road, P.O. Box 688, Bowling Green, KY 42102-0688. We will forever imagine Bill with a trumpet in hand and directing a band of angels. Play on, BHaynes! We will always love you. |
