Eric D. Haygood

Eric D. Haygood was born on June 16, 1943, in Kansas City, Kansas. He passed away on September 22, 2026, leaving a legacy of love, service, generosity, and a life lived with unmistakable style.

Eric proudly served 20 years in the United States Air Force as a supply and logistics expert. His assignments took him around the world, including Germany, Korea, Thailand, Okinawa, Japan, and bases in Ohio, North Dakota, California, and Nevada. The Air Force also gave him a place to pursue his talent for basketball. He played on several Air Force teams, primarily as a forward and guard, though he could hold his own at any position. His skills on the court even led to assignments at multiple bases. A lifelong sports fan with an astonishing memory for teams, players, and games, Eric was a “walking ESPN.”

One of his most meaningful assignments brought him to Biloxi, Mississippi, where he met Brenda Spann, the love of his life. From the moment he saw her, Eric was determined to get to know her. He became a friend of her family, especially her mother, and caught the bus from the base in Biloxi to their home in Gulfport. If a visit ran long and the buses stopped running, he walked home. Eric and Brenda became engaged during her senior year of high school. When she left for Southern University in Baton Rouge, he caught the bus there to visit her, too. They married after her freshman year and were stationed in Germany, where their only child, Erika, was born.

Eric was a devoted husband and father. He was a strong protector and supporter of Erika, always ready to go beyond what she imagined for herself. When she considered an endeavor, he would find a way to make it bigger and better—even transforming their backyard into an island resort complete with palm trees. That was Eric: there was no half stepping with him. He was generous with those he loved and mentored many men, including his son-in-law, Kevin, and several family members.

A man’s man, Eric was direct and had a dry sense of humor. He was also a dapper dresser who might coordinate his suit and shoes with the color of his eyeglasses. He loved music of all kinds, especially jazz, gospel, and Motown. His lifelong love of cars showed in his fondness for Cadillacs and in a custom-built 1972 candy apple green Buick Regal, complete with a Lincoln Continental back and a Rolls-Royce emblem on the grille. In true Eric fashion, he took something he loved and made it entirely his own.

Eric gave his life to Christ and was ordained as a deacon at Greater Grace Apostolic Assembly, later renamed Infinity Church. His family and all those he mentored will remember a man who loved deeply, spoke plainly, gave generously, and never did anything halfway.

Eric is preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Brenda Haygood; his parents, Glenn and Henrietta Haygood; his brothers, Glenn, Delford, Nathan, Marvin, and Michael Haygood; and his sisters Glenda Davis, Shirley Jackson, and Levetta Brown.

Eric is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Erika and Kevin Carter, and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 11:00 am, at Infinity Church - The Apostolic Assembly. Visitation will start at 10:00 am.

Infinity Funeral Home extends our condolences to the family of Eric Haygood. For inquiries, call 228-436-6722.