Heyward Lockaby

Heyward Lockaby, 87, husband of Betty Lockaby, passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, just eight days shy of his 88^th birthday.

Born in Anderson, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Columbus and Eula Jones Lockaby.

Heyward was a 1953 graduate of Welcome High School and received a football scholarship for college but chose instead to serve his country in Korea as member of the US Army. He then worked for the United States Postal Service where he retired at age 56 after 30 years of service. Heyward spent his retirement playing golf, supporting his Clemson Tigers (both at home and on the road), traveling to 48 of the 50 states, and sailing on multiple cruises. He enjoyed camping in their pop-up camper and even did a three-month long camping trip across the United States.  At age 60, he along with his brother, Duane, and nephew, Michael, flew to Scotland. His pride in his Scottish heritage paired with his love of golf’s tradition made this an epic trip to share with his family, and upon touchdown, he described a feeling of “coming home”. A few years later, he began reading about the Appalachian Trail, and in true Heyward fashion, had to experience it for himself.  Alone (and with no cell phone) he began his hike at Springer Mountain, Georgia, and over the next several weeks, he hiked across several states to reach Damascus, Virginia. From there he continued to “section hike”, completing over 400 miles of the Appalachian Trail using the trail name “Country Ham”.  When his wife hiked with him, her trail name was “Scrambled Eggs”.  What a pair.

For many years, Heyward’s greatest joy was in playing Santa at local nursing homes and daycare centers. His naturally jolly disposition (not to mention real whiskers!) made him a perfect Saint Nick, and he received as much joy as he gave in the role.

As a man of faith, Heyward was a longtime member of Providence Presbyterian Church where he formerly served as an Elder. At his passing, he was a member of Mt. Airy Baptist Church.

In addition to his wife of 42 years, he is survived by his daughter, Kim Wilson (Chris); stepdaughters, Patti Owens, Marie Wettig (Scott), and Alora Holloway; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Barker (Tony), Stephanie Robinson (David), Kati Galvin (Shea), Logan Holloway (Chelsea), Dane Wettig (Kayla), Ranon Holloway, Josh Kelly (Chelsea), and Lauren Kelly; and eight great-grandchildren.

Heyward was preceded in death by his first wife, Ernestine “Tina”; and infant son, Larry Lee Lockaby; as well as all of his siblings, Andrew Lockaby, Glen Lockaby, Harold Lockaby, Faye Lee, Duane Lockaby, and Bobby Lockaby.

Heyward’s family invites his many friends to join them for a time of celebration, fellowship, and laughter on Sunday, October 8, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 4:45 p.m. in Ellenburg Hall on the campus of Providence Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC followed by the Service of Worship at 5:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Heyward never wanted a sad funeral – he wanted a celebration, so please come prepared to share a story or memory of this jolly ole Scot!!! To honor his love of sports, we invite you to wear your favorite team colors or fan gear. If not a sports fan, jeans and something orange will be perfect.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/.

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Heyward with the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.