John E. Haigwood

Lieutenant Commander, Medical Service Corps, United States Navy Reserve-Retired, John E. Haigwood was born on August 20, 1923 in Rome, Georgia to Rueben E. Haigwood and Odessa Cooper Haigwood. He attended Rome High School and graduated in 1941, enjoying a lifetime of loyal and devoted friends. Following high school, John attended Wake Forest College in North Carolina and, as in all things; he immersed himself in college life becoming an active member of the Alpha Kappa Pi fraternity. When the United States declared that it would enter World War II, John in support of his country and the flag he has always loved, enlisted as a Seaman Apprentice on July 4, 1942. He was assigned as a Pharmacists Mate, providing health care to Sailors and Marines. On June 6, 1944, during the Invasion of Normandy, while serving on the LST 281, John provided medical care to those men who were wounded during the invasion. John demonstrated he was a leader and a very capable administrator so his rise to Chief, Pharmacist’s Mate was rapid. He returned to Rome following the War and approximately five years later volunteered to serve in the Navy during the Korean War. He was selected to attend Office Candidate School in Newport, RI and this is where he met his future wife and life partner, Anna “Ann” Maria Silvio. Following his commission as an Ensign, John married Ann on October 12, 1953. They were devoted parents of 6 children (5 surviving). John served his country as a Naval Medical Service Corps Officer (Hospital Administrator) until he retired from active duty as a Lieutenant Commander in October 1967. When he retired, he moved his family back to Rome, the place he had always called home. He opened a small Gift Store on North Broad Street where it remained for many years. John was an avid genealogist, having researched his family ancestry for over 50 years. He published two books outlining the family history, “A Search for Haigwood-Hagood-Haygood, et cetera” and “The Silvio Family History 1800-1997 Vol. I”. He was also a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution. John had enormous energy and enthusiasm for life and he loved challenges. Surviving children include: Cynthia, Jeane, Joane, John and Richard. There are 12 grandchildren.
Any interest in his book should be directed to his eldest daughter Cynthia A. S. Haigwood COYLE at CASHCoyle@aol.com