Charles Cecil "Little Shag" Haywood was a graduate of Blackshear High School in San Angelo, Texas. While at Blackshear, "Little Shag" was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball, baseball, track and boxing. He was a four-year starter and All-Conference performer.
After high school, Charles enrolled at Prairie View A&M College after being recruited by Coach Jimmy Stevens and his brother, Harry "Shag" Haywood. Charles majored in Physical Education with a minor in Biology. He was a three-year letterwinner in football and a three-year starter.
Charles received All-SWAC honors from 1951 to 1953 and was an All-American Performer in 1953. He also served as "Tri-Captain" for the football team. During his tenure with the team, the PV Football team won the 1953 Black College National Football Championship with a 12-0 winning season and was the only undefeated college team in the nation. Haywood played on two SWAC Championship Football teams and two second-place teams in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. During his four years, the team recorded 35 wins and only six losses for a winning percentage of 85 percent.
After graduating from Prairie View A&M College and receiving a Reserve Officers Commission, Haywood served his country for 20 years with multiple tour of duties in the Republic of Vietnam and earning an array of awards and commendations to include four Bronze Star Medals with Valor Device, the Purple Heart, Air Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, a Combat Infantry Badge and numerous service ribbons, commendations and letters of appreciation.
After retirement from the military, Charles was employed by the Department of Defense, Civil Service. On February 20, 1998, The United States of America flag was flown over the United States Capitol to mark 43 years of distinguished active and military service to his country.
Haywood graduated from Virginia State College in 1976 with a Master’s Degree in Guidance.
Charles is married to the former Bernice Jones and they have three children, Pamela, Charles, Jr. and Cheryl.
