Archie Lee Haynes
September 5, 1922 – March 1, 2017
ARCHIE LEE HAYNES was born September 5, 1922 in Wichita Falls, Texas to loving parents, Reverend William and Lillie Haynes. He was raised and received his education in Wichita Falls. He professed Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized at a very young age.
After graduating from high school, Archie enrolled at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he majored in Business Administration. In 1943, while in college, Archie was drafted into the United States Navy. He received his Honorable Discharge in 1946 after serving his county with dignity and honor during World War II. He then married LaVerne Colbert and they relocated to San Diego, California.
After the war, Archie began employment at North Island Naval Air Station as a laborer. During his tenure at North Island, he received several promotions which included Vocational Department Trainer, Aircraft Mechanic Inspector, Engine Mechanic Foreman and retired after thirty years of valuable service as an Aircraft Production Supervisor.
Archie always took pride in knowing that it was his responsibility to be a positive example to African Americans by inspiring them that they too could achieve and perform as well as anybody else. Archie attributed his success to God.
In 1953, Archie met and later married the lovely Molia Dean Payne. Although no children were born to their union, they were highly blessed with many nieces and nephews whom they loved as their very own. On November 7, 2010, Molia was called home to be with her Lord.
Archie joined Bethel Baptist Church in 1946 under the spiritual guidance of the Late Dr. Charles H. Hampton and continued under Dr. John W. Ringgold. He served in numerous ministries including the Trustee Ministry for sixty-eight years where he also served as Chairman, a member of Sunday School Class No.13, participated in the National Baptist Convention and worked numerous years with the Christian Education Commission and Scholarship Committee. Archie served and chaired two church souvenir programs and taught leadership seminars.
Archie was very active in the community, where he served as chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for the Naval Air Station. He was a 33 Degree Prince Hall Mason, a member of American Legion and a Life Member of the NAACP. He was also a member of Morehouse College National Alumni Association. The Mayor of the City of San Diego proclaimed September 15, 2012 as Archie Haynes Day”. Archie always credited his father, Rev. William A. Haynes, Dr. C.H. Hampton, Dr. Benjamin E. Mays and Dr. Milton Curry for the significant guidance in his life.
On Wednesday, March 1, 2017, Trustee Archie Lee Haynes joined his beloved wife, Molia; his parents; his sister, Doris and his brother, William Jr. His memory and love will live forever in the hearts of his daughter, Margaret and his nieces: Sharon, LaVerne, Linda, Judy Rose, Lisa Sue, William and Carol whom he loved as his very own; granddaughter, Aisha and great-granddaughter, Adira and a host of great nieces and great nephews and many friends, including his Bethel Baptist Church Family. Services were held Friday, March 10, 2017 at Bethel Baptist Church; interment at Riverside National Cemetery. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson-Ragsdale Mortuary.
