William Harold Haithco Sr.

William Harold Haithco, Sr. Fayetteville, GA William "Bill" Haithco, 88, a resident of Fayetteville, Georgia, formerly of Saginaw and Lansing Michigan, passed peacefully on Wednesday, March 17, 2011. Bill was born in Saginaw, Michigan on February 7, 1923 to William Joseph Haithco and Lady Celes Dabney Haithco, both of whom predeceased him. William is survived by his loving daughter and devoted caregiver, Shari L. Clarke of Fayetteville, GA, Reverend Jai Spencer (Brenda) Haithco, Sr. of Smyrna, GA, daughter-in-law, Cheryl Haithco of Farmington Hills, MI; one granddaughter, Danielle Haithco, two grandsons, Jai S. Haithco, II, William Haithco, III; and four sisters of Lansing, Michigan, Lady Margaret Groves, Dorothy E. Murray, Montie S. Warfield and Mary Jane McGuire. He will be fondly remembered by many surviving nieces, nephews, fraternity brothers and friends who have fond memories of his joyful demeanor, endeavoring personality and sense of humor. He was predeceased by his older son, William Haithco II, in 2009. Upon his honorable discharge from the army, Bill attended Michigan State College (presently, MSU), and transferred to the University of Michigan. Although, very respectful of MSU, he was an extremely avid fan and devoted graduate of the University of Michigan School of Pharmacy. One never saw Bill without his Blue and Maze attire. Continuing through his retirement years and regardless of changing cognitive/physical abilities, he donned the U of M cap and enjoyed the warmth of a blue and gold lap robe in his wheelchair. While attending MSC he was an active member of the Gamma Tau Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and was instrumental and actively engaged in the fraternities' many community programs for youth. William established the Haithco Pharmacy in Saginaw, Michigan, following his employment at the County Hospital, Saginaw General Hospital and "subbing" at many local independent pharmacies throughout the Saginaw area. "I am a child of this community" he always espoused. That statement of pride, interest and concern for the members of his community and race continued and proffered through his post graduate years and professional career. As founder and chairperson of the Saginaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, a park was named in his honor, THE WILLIAM H. HAITHCO RECREATION AREA. The park was an endeavor of Bill's wishes and met needs for the recreation of youth and adults of the Saginaw area. William Haithco was president of the University Of Michigan College Of Pharmacy Alumni Board Of Governors and received the status as an honored alumnus of Arthur Hill High School in 1994. Among numerous awards, The William H. Haithco Student Community Service Award was created in 2002 by the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation in honor of his years of service to his community and to the profession of pharmacy. Services will be held in the city of his birth, at the Case Funeral Home, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48603, Ph: 989-793-9700. Visitation is Friday, March 25, 2011, from 2-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2011. Please, as a courtesy to all attendees, it is kindly requested that you refrain from wearing perfumes /colognes and other fragrances. Thank you in advance for your observance.