William Sawyer Haymaker, 18, of 1850 Zion Hill Road, Fincastle, died on Friday, August 22, 2025 at his home.
Sawyer was born on December 28, 2006 in Roanoke to Thomas Edward “T” Haymaker II and Amy Leigh Putnam Haymaker. He was a senior at James River High School and an active member of the Botetourt County 4-H Outdoor Skills and Hunting Club. He loved the outdoors, gardening, beekeeping, and camping. He enjoyed music and participating in historical re-enactments of his 18th century forefathers’ lifestyles and skills. Sawyer never met a stranger and brought smiles wherever he went.
Sawyer was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Thomas Edward Haymaker; maternal grandfather, Robert Preston “Bob” Putnam; an uncle, Tommy Garten; and great-uncles, John Anthony Rhodes and Cedric Rhodes.
He is survived by his parents, Thomas “T” and Amy Haymaker of Fincastle; his brother, Thomas Jackson Haymaker (Jaycee Harris) of Fincastle; paternal grandmother, Patricia Rhodes “Patsy” Haymaker of Clifton Forge; maternal grandmother, Jayne Craft Putnam of Clifton Forge; aunts, Kathryn Preston Putnam, Mary Elizabeth “Mary Beth” Garten; Sheryl Haymaker Hall (Greg), Karen Haymaker Carter (Stephen); and Kathy Haymaker Lee (Chuck); cousins, Matthew Garten (Kristen), Robert “Dizzy” Garten (Heidi), Meredith Carter (Andy Tinnell), Madison Carter, Stephen Carter, Patricia Lee (Lucas Bennett), Elizabeth Lee, and Nicholas Lee; his young cousins, Tate Garten, Hank Garten, Ellie Garten, Georgia Garten, Max Garten, and Vivian Carter-Tinnell; as well as many friends.
In keeping with his family’s wishes, his body was cremated. A Celebration of Life service was held on Sunday, August 31, 2025 at 2 p.m. at The Preserve at Crooked Run, 1356 Camp Fincastle Lane, Fincastle, with Pastor Brandon Nicely officiating. The family visited with friends from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Those attending were asked to feel free to dress “Sawyer Style.”
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making charitable contributions to the Botetourt County 4-H Outdoor Skills and Hunting Club, c/o Ed McCoy, 489 Back Creek Lane, Buchanan, VA 24066.
Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, handled arrangements. To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com.
