There have been several deaths of longtime well-known community leaders in Guilford County in recent months.
On Friday, July 1, the city of High Point lost one of its most respected business, community and philanthropic leaders – David Robert Hayworth, who had been facing several health issues in recent years and who died at home on Friday.
Throughout his life, Hayworth contributed to a host of civic and cultural causes that helped improve the city and the state. There are way too many to name but one of his favorite causes was High Point University. Those familiar with the school know his name from the David R. Hayworth School of Arts and Design.
Hayworth also served on the university’s Board of Trustees.
Carolina Core Regional Economic Development Director Loren Hill, who has also played a major role in making High Point the thriving city it’s become, had a great deal of praise for the man who did so much for the city.
“For years, David Hayworth has been one of High Point’s biggest benefactors,” Hill said. “He has touched so much of the community with his generosity.”
A foundation, a scholarship and a park are named after Hayworth, who, in 2005, was named Philanthropist of the Year by the High Point Community Foundation.
After attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Hayworth began his business career designing office furniture and later became President of Alma Desk Company, part of Hayworth Industries.
At one time, Hayworth Industries – which also included Clarendon Industries, Hayworth Roll and Panel Company, Liberty Veneer Company and Myrtle Desk Company – was High Point’s largest employer.
Hayworth’s family came to the High Point area in 1698 and later ran a furniture business there.
Hayworth was born in High Point in 1928 and his father died six months later, which led to his mother running the family furniture business during the very challenging years of the Great Depression.
Throughout his life, he supported the United Way of Greater High Point, the High Point Regional Health System, Family Service of the Piedmont, the North Carolina Museum of Art, Youth Unlimited, The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater High Point, Pennybyrn at Maryfield, Reynolda House Museum of Art, the High Point Arts Council, the North Carolina Museum of History, Woodberry Forest School and many others.
