Charles "Chuck" Philip Heywood

Charles (“Chuck”) Philip Heywood, of Martinez, Georgia, passed away on February 17, 2024, after a long illness.

Chuck was born in Utica, NY, on January 26, 1942, to Dr. James Soper Heywood and Mary Louise Goldsmith. He attended Williams College (Class of ’64) and, later, the University of Minnesota for graduate school, where he met Sandra Lupton Swain, whom he married. Chuck and Sandy moved to Berkeley, California, where they had two children before Sandy’s passing in 1980.

Chuck worked for Levi Strauss & Co. in San Francisco before moving his family to Augusta, Georgia, for a retail opportunity. He later worked in real estate before settling into the job he was undoubtedly born to do: teach. For 27 years, Chuck taught English at both Evans and Lakeside High Schools, where he developed the AP English curriculum and founded a nationally competitive debate team. Thirteen times, “Mr. Heywood” was selected as Columbia County’s STAR teacher, which honors Georgia’s highest-achieving high school seniors and the teachers most instrumental in their academic development. Mr. Heywood was a beloved educator who positively impacted countless students, a labor of love that he would readily describe as his life’s passion. Years into retirement, Chuck was routinely visited by former students to share the stories of their lives and appreciation for his lasting influence.

Chuck was a quick wit who relished his role as “local liberal” in biting letters to the Editor. He was an eloquent writer and combined that gift with a keen interest in genealogy when, in 2019, at the age of 77, he published a comprehensive book on the family’s history. Chuck loved cooking and exploring new cuisines, was a voracious reader, and enjoyed gardening and the occasional glass of good wine.

Chuck is survived by his two children, Jessica Heywood of Washington, D.C. (Greg Kaufman) and Samuel Heywood of Portland, OR (Molly Mager), to whom he was devoted, four adoring grandchildren (Laura Belle, Georgia, Josie, and Hank), his beloved sister Margaret “Peg” Kellogg, and his longtime partner, loving collaborator, and unwavering foundation, Mary Henderson Hull. Mary continues to live (and garden) in the house they built together in Martinez, Georgia.

The family will hold a private memorial. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Georgia Public Broadcasting.