Heyward Rodgers Trotter

June 15, 1925 - September 3, 2021

Heyward Rodgers Trotter, 96, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2021 in Saluda, South Carolina after living a long and blessed life. Mr. Trotter or Mr. Heyward as he was known by his friends was born on June 15, 1925 in rural Saluda County. He was the son of the late Ernest B. Trotter and Leona Rodgers Trotter. He was the husband of the late Maidie Pou Trotter, who was the love of his life. They shared life for 63 years together. Mr. Heyward loved the LORD, his family and his community. He loved everyone he knew and died having no ill will toward anyone. Heyward resided at his farm on Ridge Spring Highway for almost 70 years. He and his wife, Maidie, made this their home. Heyward built their home, the barns, and the ponds. He cleared the pastures and put up his own fences as he loved working outdoors. Heyward was a hard working man, working full days, early morning to late evenings well into his 90’s. Heyward loved nature and appreciated GOD’s handiwork in all things. Heyward was always willing to help anyone he could in any way he could. He helped many people in ways most of us will never know. Heyward loved the LORD, his church, Richland Springs Baptist Church and served in many areas including deacon, Sunday School teacher, finance and pastor search committees. Wherever there was a need in the church he was willing and ready to serve. Heyward worked for many years at the Saluda Shenille plant. He left that job to farm, and he and his wife, Maidie, started Trotter Earth Moving Company, which they operated for many years. Heyward was very active in the Richland Creek Ruritan Club. He served many years as the President of this Club. His commitment was so strong to his community that he was recognized nationally for having the most new members in a year. He organized an outreach through the club to deliver Christmas baskets to the less fortunate in the community. Heyward and Maidie served for many years in the Richland Creek Ruritan Club. Heyward loved animals and especially horses. He and Maidie were members of the Country Riders Club. He was known as the Trail Boss riding his Palomino horse, Blaze, leading large groups of riders all over Saluda County. Heyward loved this community of riders. He put a lot folks on a horse for the first time, and he loved sharing his love for people and animals with these riders. When he was no longer able to guide trail rides, he and Maidie enjoyed surrey rides. He loved being a part of the Saluda Christmas parade and driving his historic surrey being pulled by his paint horse, Miss Behave. Later in his life, he took such pleasure in being able to make a couple’s wedding day special for them by riding them away from their ceremony in his horse drawn surrey. Heyward loved being a part of a couple’s new life. He enjoyed tending to his garden. He loved to can vegetables and share his produce with anyone he saw or anyone that stopped to visit. He was a very social man and loved to ride around the county in his truck with his his beloved dogs over the years. He loved life and the promise life held. His memory will be cherished by his family, which include daughters, Margaret Ann Trotter, Barbara Trotter Sanders and husband, Bob, and son-in-law, Joe Halford who was married to Hazel Trotter Halford, who died in July 2020. He leaves two grandchildren, who loved him dearly, Robert H. Sanders, Jr. and his wife, Rachel, and Dr. Rebecca Sanders Ward and her husband, Jason. He leaves 6 great grandchildren, Addison and Anna Claire Sanders, and Isabella, Jackson, Fisher, and Shepard Ward. Heyward is also survived by his youngest brother, Ansel and wife Mary Lynn Trotter, as well as Yvonne Taylor, who was his faithful caregiver for many years. Heyward’s memory will be cherished by a number of cousins, nieces and nephews along with many, many friends who will miss him. Heyward was preceded in death by brothers Truman Trotter, Billy Trotter, and sisters Ethel T. Banks, Winnifred T. Reames, and Doris T. Platts. The family wishes to express a special thanks to caregivers, Marie DeLoache, Teresa Gregory, and Ruth Kirkland. Thanks also to Dr. William Sawyer and staff for their care. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 11AM at Richland Springs Baptist Church, Ward, SC. Burial service will follow in the Johnson Family Cemetery near the church. The family will receive friends and family in the fellowship hall one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials can be made to Richland Springs Baptist Church, 1895 Duncan Road, Ward, SC 29166.