Dr. WILLIAM FLOYD HAYDEN,
90, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 2, 2021 at his home in Little Rock. William was born in Bentonville, Ark., on November 2, 1930, to Rev. and Mrs. R. Stanford Hayden.
He grew up in Forrest City and Conway. He graduated from Conway High School in 1948. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and served on active duty for four years. He returned to Conway where he remained in the Naval Reserves and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Hendrix College.
He returned to active duty as a Naval Aviation Cadet. After earning his wings, Lt. Hayden was assigned to an all weather aviation squadron aboard the USS Lake Champlain. He flew spy missions over Russia. He survived a crash landing in the French Alps. Because of his expert flying skills, he saved the plane and his crewman. Lt. Hayden flew several military aircraft including Hellcats, SNJs, AD Skyraiders, Cougars and Furys. He was also a member of the 1000 Trap Club- which means he landed on an aircraft carrier 1000 times.
In 1957, William transitioned to the Naval Reserves in order to attend medical school at the University of Arkansas School of Medicine.
William married Joyce Jackson on August 1, 1959. They were blessed with two children, Stanford Thurman and Heather Rebecca.
Dr. Hayden graduated from medical school in 1961. He opened an office in general practice in Forrest City. After two years in general practice, he returned to Little Rock for four years of surgery training at UAMS-VA. In 1970, Dr. Hayden opened his medical surgery office in Little Rock. He retired in 1996. Dr. Hayden was well-known for his compassion and excellent surgical skills, he considered his practice a ministry.
Upon his retirement, Dr. Hayden enjoyed playing the piano and traveling with his wife, Joyce. Dr. Hayden’s favorite hobby was flying. He and his son, Stan, were both pilots and they spent many hours, “having a ball” in the sky. His good friend, Stuart Perry, was also a favorite flying companion. He and his daughter, Heather, shared an interest in photography and water sports. They spent many weekends water skiing on Greers Ferry Lake.
Dr. Hayden is preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Geraldine Arand. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joyce, son, Stanford and wife, Jan’etta; daughter, Heather; and grandchildren, Alexa Rebecca, and William Saul. He is also survived by his sister, Clara Higgs, and husband Tom, and brotherin-law, Buddy Jackson, and wife, Marilyn. Other survivors include nephew, Bill Higgs and wife, Sue; niece, MaryAnn Gammill, and husband, Ted; and many nieces and nephews.
Dr. Hayden will be laid to rest in the Floyd family plot in Eureka Springs, Ark., at 1 o’clock on Thursday, April 8, with full military honors. A public viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at Ruebel Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, RuebelFuneralHome.com