USAF Retired Chief Master Sergeant Donald Jerome Haygood, 86, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away after a brief illness on April 10, 2026.

Born on June 28, 1939, in Cordele, Georgia, Don proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 30 years, enlisting in 1958 and retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant. While stationed in England, he met the love of his life, Jeannette, and they built a devoted partnership that lasted until her passing. He took great pride in his military service and later channeled that same discipline and work ethic into a successful civilian career.

Don had a lifelong passion for golf and sports, which he lovingly passed on to his son and family. After retiring from the Air Force, he became a prominent real estate agent and rose to sales manager at Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper in the San Antonio area. In his spare time, he and Jeannette enjoyed gardening together, creating beautiful spaces that reflected their shared love of home and family.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jeannette. Don is survived by his daughter, Donna Wilson (and husband Frank) of Jacksonville, FL; son, Sheldon Haygood (and wife Shelby) of Gardendale, AL; brother, Billy Haygood (and wife Dorothy) of Houston, TX; brother Jeff Haygood (and wife Irma) of Houston, TX; grandchildren Laura Brooks (and husband Joshua) and their children William, Jackson, and Vivian of Charlottesville, VA; Frank Wilson (and wife Jessica) of Jacksonville, FL; Hannah Pinckard (and husband Stewart) of Birmingham, AL; Harper Haygood (and wife Katie) of Fairhope, AL; Harrison Haygood (and wife Ashby) of Birmingham, AL; Hayes Haygood of Birmingham, AL; and Austin and Steven Haygood of Gardendale, AL; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local hospice organization or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.