Obituary of Oscar Haynes

Oscar Haynes, 98, died peacefully in his home in Herndon, VA early Thursday morning, July 31, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. Oscar, the only child of Oscar Haynes and Nannie Bradley Haynes was born in Rogersville, Tennessee on January 18, 1916. He moved to Washington, DC upon graduation from Swift Memorial Junior College and became a member of Twelfth Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He attended Howard University and Tuskegee Institute before being drafted into service for World War II (1941-45), serving in Tampa, Florida, India-Burma and Kearns, Utah. Upon leaving the military, Oscar became a journalist with the Afro American Newspapers. During his tenure he was part of a team of journalist that did investigative reporting on the Martinsville 7 Trail in Virginia. He was active in the Civil Rights Movement in Washington, DC. He joined Mary Church Terrell and other activist in "sit-ins at the bus station and local restaurants. He was among the thousands at the March on Washington when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have A Dream" speech. Oscar served as president of the Capital Press Club in Washington, DC; the National Convocation, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ);and the Board of Managers of Greenwood Cemeteries, Nashville, TN. During his tenure as president of the Capital Press Club he gave President Harry S. Truman an award for desegregating the Military. As a businessman and State & Regional Manager for Fromm & Sichel/Christian Brothers Wines & Brandy, Oscar forged partnerships with the State Department to increase the sale of American wines abroad. When he retired in 1984, Christian Brothers Wines and Brandy were being sold in 28 nations. Oscar served on numerous boards including: Thurgood Marshall Community Center, Washington, DC; National City Christian Church Foundation; Christian Church-- Capital Area Region; Disciples of Christ Historical Society, Nashville, TN; Trustee, Lexington Theological Seminary, Lexington, KY; United Campus Ministry Board, University of Maryland, College Park Campus; and the Reston Community Orchestra. Oscar received honors that included: John James Audubon Medal, Audubon Naturalist Society; Public Service Award YMCA, Washington, DC; The College Park Lions Club; Diplomate, National City Christian Church Foundation, Washington, DC; Liberation Award, National Convocation, Christian Church 1998; Tribute of Appreciation, Secretary of State, American Businessmen Abroad Committee, July 31, 1967. On July 29, 2008 the Disciples Historical Society of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Nashville, TN named an Exhibit Hall in his honor. Oscar married his wife of 40 plus years, Lula Mae Smith in 1949 and they raised 5 children together in Washington, DC. She preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife, Rev. Joan Bell- Haynes, his children: Toni Ross, Oscar Sherwood Haynes (Robyn); Kim A. Atwater (Jay); Donna N. Taylor, and Christina H. Haynes; as well as 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Oscar was a member of United Christian Parish where his wife is Pastor. He was also a member of the Rotary Club, Herndon, VA. Funeral Services will be held at United Christian Parish, 11508 North Shore Dr, Reston, VA; on August 9, 2014 with a Viewing at 10am followed by a Homegoing Service at 11am. A Service of Inurnment will be held at National City Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) at a later date. Memorial Gifts may be made to United Christian Parish, The Christian Church Foundation, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 130 E. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46206 and Capital Caring Hospice. Information and condolences at www.adamsgreen.com