Former Little Beaver president dies at 94

LIVINGSTON, Texas — Billy Roy (BR) Haynes, loving husband, father and second-generation president of Little Beaver Inc. passed away Saturday, March 13, 2021, at the age of 94 surrounded by his family in Livingston, Texas. 

Hayne’s passion and life’s work were in the family business, but he had a diverse range of interests and experiences at the heart of which was service of fellow citizens and country. Haynes was born on Oct. 2, 1926, in Livingston, Texas, to Newman & Lillian (Peebles) Haynes. He grew up in Livingston and graduated high school in 1943. He briefly attended Texas A&M University, but soon left to join the war effort in World War II. He enlisted in the U.S. Merchant Marines and served in the European theater delivering material to England, Italy and Russia. After returning to Livingston, he worked as a golf pro at a private golf course before finally joining the family business, Haynes Manufacturing Co. (now Little Beaver, Inc.) with his father.

Initially working as a salesman, Haynes traveled the eastern and central U.S. selling the company’s products, which at the time included a tractor-mounted mower, brush saw, tree girdler and post hole digger. After his father’s retirement, he took the reins of the business and looked for ways to grow both the product line and the markets they reached.

During his time leading Little Beaver, Haynes focused on improving the business from a strategic standpoint. Recognizing the potential of the product in a wide variety of markets, from fencing and deck installation to signs and playground installation, Haynes was instrumental in expanding the company’s involvement in the rental and fencing industries. Under his leadership, the business was active in industry associations, joining ARA in 1961 and FenceTech in 1972. After a successful 27 years leading the company, Haynes passed the business to his sons, Joe and John, upon his own retirement in 1987.

BR’s ambition and knack for business showed itself in every facet of his life. He joined the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department in 1960 and was elected chief in 1963, ultimately retiring from the department in 1977. Under his leadership, the department was brought into the modern era, with new equipment and a new station.

Though he was known in the industry as a pioneer and founder of Little Beaver, Inc., Haynes was also a devoted family man. He and his wife, Fayelene, were married 70 years, and raised five children. The couple traveled extensively throughout the western U.S. after his retirement, enjoying the many National Parks and other scenic areas.

BR Haynes was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Newman Haynes Jr.; infant son, Jerry Don Haynes; son, Jimmy Haynes; and daughter, Janice Haynes. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Fayelene (Kersh) Haynes; sons, Joe Haynes and wife Nancy, John Haynes and wife Londa and David and wife Lisa, all of Livingston; and daughter-in-law, Debbie Haynes of Loveland, Colo. Grandchildren, Judy Stewart of Orlando, Fla.; Sarah Campbell of Loveland, Colo., (Dustin [Abby], Riley & Carley);  April Wunderlick and husband Joe of Dallas (Jack & Luke); Matthew Haynes of Loveland, Colo. (Mason); Lauren Fraga and husband Kenny of Porter (Wyatt, Katie & Campbell); Joseph Haynes and wife Stacy of The Woodlands (Wilder); Andrew Haynes and wife Amanda of Livingston (Aden & Allie); Zachary Haynes  and wife Katy of Livingston (Madison & Braxton); Ethan Haynes & wife Whitney of Livingston (Graham & Carter Kate); Austin Haynes and wife Brenda of Livingston (Ian); Kelsey Travis and husband Colin of Humble; Ryan Vick of Morgantown, W.V.; Brooke Koop and husband Jack of Houston; Kyle Haynes of Livingston; Blake Haynes of Oxford, Miss.; Jacob Haynes of Livingston; and Lilly Haynes of Livingston. Sister, Francis McAlister of Liberty; nieces, Martha Black and Glenn of Cedar Creek, Cathy McAlister and Kathleen of Houston and Susan Haynes of Crockett.