"That best portion of a good man's life: his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love." Wm. Wordsworth

Walter E. Hayden, husband of Ellen Tollison Hayden, died May 16, 2014. Walter's life was defined by gentility, humility, and integrity. He was a devoted family man, a steadfast servant of his God, a conscientious business person, a faithful friend, a strong supporter of his country and community.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, 2014, at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends after the service at the church.
Walter was born in Cope, South Carolina, to the late Earle and Elizabeth Cope Hayden on October 13, 1938. He received his education in Charleston and Orangeburg Counties and the University of South Carolina. He acquired additional professional certification through specialized programs offered by the General Electric Company. His military service was spent in the SC National Guard/Adjutancy Division.
In 1956, Walter began an over 50-year career in the field of electrical distribution. He became associated with the former Perry-Mann Electric Company, a wholesale distributorship of electrical supplies in the Southeast. Walter learned the industry by graduating through the ranks in various capacities. His primary focus was sales/marketing and management. During his career, the General Electric Company named Walter to its top ranking of sales producers in the nation. Eventually serving as Executive Vice President of the Perry-Mann Electric Company, Walter remained with the company until 1993. When Perry-Mann merged with internationally-based CED (Consolidated Electrical Distributors), Walter continued with the new company, primarily in industrial sales, until November 2007.

Walter was a member of key professional associations such as the Illuminating Engineering Society and the SC Mechanical Contractors Association. He was also a former member of the Columbia Optimist Club and a longtime supporter of USC athletic programs. Walter was a Mason/32nd degree and a member of the Shrine.

Walter served as a member and ordained Elder of Eastminster Presbyterian Church. He also served in various capacities including a founding member of the Footcare Ministry to the Homeless, the standing Property Committee, a commissioned humanitarian trip to Peru, service initiatives focused on local missions such as the Homeless Shelter. He likewise participated in Biblical course offerings and the Men's Weekly Prayer Breakfast.

Walter had an innate desire to serve. Of particular interest to him was the welfare of children, especially children from disadvantaged circumstances. His deeds on their behalf were primarily conducted anonymously. Although the number of lives impacted by his quiet, unassuming efforts will never be documented, the lives of many individuals were significantly made better due to his commitment to help. He also enjoyed volunteering for local and state youth organizations, serving in capacities such as mentor, tutor, and resource teacher within the education system. He likewise served as a Boy Scout leader.

Walter Hayden is survived by his wife, Ellen, and a sister, Wanda Hayden Brasington of West Columbia. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Louise J. Tollison (Mrs. Wade A.); two brothers-in-law, Dr. Joseph W. Tollison and Dr. C. David Tollison (Linda); four nephews, J. Wade Tollison, Jr. (Stephanie), C. David Tollison, Jr., Steven M. Garris, Donald P. Brasington; four nieces, Julie E. Tollison, Dr. Courtney Tollison Hartness (Sean), Donna G. Lowe (Keith), and Anna M. Brasington; ten great nieces and nephews. Godchildren who survive him are Suzanna Lanier Crabb (Kyle), Catherine D. Smith, and W. Cannon Smith III. In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by a sister, Martha H. Cordova.

A private interment will be held later in Easley, South Carolina, in the burial plot of his wife's family. In keeping with Walter's belief that one is responsible for acting as a wise steward of one's blessings, the family would be honored by any contributions given "in memory of the life of Walter Hayden" to The Footcare Ministry of Eastminster Presbyterian Church (3200 Trenholm Road Columbia 20204), or to the Children's Camp offered by The Salvation Army of the Midlands (P.O. Box 2786 Columbia 29202), or to a charity of one's choice.