Major (Ret.) Hillis Elvin Haygood at the age of 55, died December 27, 2002 at the Carolinas Medical Center-Main Charlotte, North Carolina.  Hillis was born November 4, 1947 in Greensboro, North Carolina to the late Preston Haygood and Alice Foote Haygood.  In 1969, he married the late Gwendolyn Mitchell Haygood and from that union two children were born.

 Hillis graduated from Dudley High School in 1965.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from North Carolina  A&T State University and Master of Arts in Business Administration from Webster College.  After an extraordinary sports career in High School and College he was commissioned into the United States Air Force as an Aircraft Commander, flying the KCI35 refueling aircraft in 1969.  During his career he served as a flight instructor, a mission controller as well as squadron commander.  After retiring from the Air Force, he spent the Cast ten years teaching math and science to middle school children.  He was employed at the following schools: Tabor Middle School in Warner Robins, Georgia, Neal Middle School in Durham, North Carolina and currently at Martin Middle School in Charlotte, North Carolina.  He also coached basketball, football, as well as track and field events.

 As well as being an avid golfer and tennis player, Hillis enjoyed listening to jazz and giving his time to numerous community activities.  His list of accomplishments include: Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, AFC Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and countless others.  He was a member of the National Education Association a NC Certified Teaching Mentor, National Honor Society, 1968 CIAA baseball Champion, 1964 & 1965 State Baseball Champion, 1965 MVP Dudley Football, 1965 City Brain Team, coach of the 1991 USAF Championship Girls Basketball team, Mentor for Jr. Honor Society and countless other accomplishments too numerous to name.

 Survivors include his children, Hillis E. Haygood, II and wife Tonya of Charlotte, North Carolina and daughter, Hillisha Kaye Haygood of Durham North Carolina.  He leaves behind two grandchildren, Hillis LaShawn Haygood and Taliyah Gwendolyn Haygood,  siblings, Preston D. Haygood and wife Patricia and Pam H. Washington and husband Solomon Washington III.  He also leaves one aunt, Rosena H. Gaines of Charlotte, North Carolina; dearest friend Diane G. Haygood of Durham North Carolina; best friend Victor Carr of Greensboro, North Carolina and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and students.