Samuel Robert Haycraft III

Samuel (Sam) Robert Haycraft, III, 63, born in Newport News, VA, passed away at his home on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Sam was a dedicated husband, loving father, and papa. He and Joan met in high school and their story took off from there. They celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary in December 2025. Sam and Joan had two children, Jennifer and Sam, IV as well as two adored grandchildren, Peyton and Wyatt. Being the first-born grandchild, Peyton was Sam's little princess. She had him wrapped around her finger from the day she was born. If Peyton wanted it, Papa got it-it was that simple for him. While Peyton enjoyed many years as the only grandchild, Wyatt came along and a new, fun-loving adventure began all over again.

Sam loved sports and wanted his children and grandchildren to enjoy his passion. Sam played sports in school and carried that love of the games into coaching his kids Jennifer and Sam. After his own kids sports time wrapped up, Sam's passion for sports was instilled in Peyton, his first grandchild, and her love of volleyball. He was a dedicated fan of Peyton's volleyball journey and rarely missed a game. When he wasn't running his business, Aqua Designs, he enjoyed being on the golf course. He enjoyed playing golf locally at Hillandale and Umstead Pines as well as new courses he would find while traveling to new destinations. Sam never met a stranger-so he'd talk to anyone and made many friends wherever he went, including the golf course.

A skilled professional of over four decades, Sam created a lasting reputation in the water purification industry. His knowledge was well known across the industry and well respected. Sam founded a successful business, Aqua Designs, and ran it for the last 30 years with clients all across the country. If there was a water problem, he could solve it.

Whatever Sam did, he did it with determination. If he didn't know how to do something, he'd figure it out for himself. He would selflessly help anyone he knew and even those he didn't. Sam's first priority was his family. If any of his family needed his help, he'd always be there. Nothing was more important to Sam than his family.

Left to cherish Sam's memory are his wife, Joan Gilbreath Haycraft; daughter, Jennifer Gillette (Michael); son, Samuel Robert Haycraft, IV; grandchildren, Peyton Leigh Gillette and Wyatt Thomas Gillette.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026 in the Clements Funeral Chapel with Pastor Charlie McNeill officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Clements Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital stjude.org/donate, Make-A-Wish wish.org/donate, or Riverside High School Volleyball program at 3218 Rose of Sharon Road Durham, NC 27712.

The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.