Stephen Addison Hayden, 89 of Goose Creek, SC, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

Born on August 23, 1936 in Eveline Township, MI, Stephen was the son of the late Emma (Beyer) and Frank Hayden.

He was a graduate of Michigan State University earning a bachelors, masters and educational specialist degree. While attending MSU he met his future wife, Marjorie Barrett McDowell, on a blind date on St. Patrick's Day. They were married in the MSU Chapel on Sept. 7, 1957, and were married 66 years before her passing on February 6, 2024.

After graduating from MSU, Stephen worked as an agricultural teacher, a high school principal and a district superintendent, before finishing his career as the Eaton Intermediate School District superintendent in Charlotte, MI. He retired from EISD in December 1989 after 20 years.

He and Marjorie moved to North Carolina in 1990 and later to South Carolina, spending 36 years in retirement pursuing his passions of golf (scoring 8 holes in one in his lifetime), bridge (obtaining his Silver Life Master) and most of all enjoying time with his family.

Stephen is survived by his children Stephen (Rowena "Win Win") Hayden Jr. of Goose Creek, SC, Laura Hayden of Goose Creek, SC, and Heather Hayden of Walnut Creek, CA. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Josh Terrill, Daniel (Erin) Terrill, David (Amanda) Terrill, Miranda Leffler, Cash Hayden & Cassandra Hayden; 2 great grandchildren: Declan &; Maisie Terrill; and his youngest brother Douglas Hayden.

Stephen is preceded in death by his wife Marjorie (McDowell) Hayden, son-in-law Warren (Heather) Leffler, granddaughter Mary Terrill, three sisters: Arlene Staley, Kay Chew and Mary Gibbons and three brothers: Thomas, Ernest and Larry Hayden.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Marine Toys For Tots Foundation, The Cooper Center, 18251 Quantico Gateway Dr., Triangle, VA 22172-1776 and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, PO Box 247, Goose Creek, SC 29445, 843-553-1511.