Haywood Leonard Oates was born in Detroit, MI, on January 2, 1959, to the late Haywood David Oates and late Eartha Bea Dennis. He was raised on the north end of Detroit and educated in the Detroit Public School System where he graduated from Southwestern High School in 1977.

After high school, Haywood started working at Ford Motor Company, and became known as “Wood."   After leaving Ford, he devoted his life to his passions: being a handyman, cooking, and cleaning.  His sense of humor plus humanitarian demeanor cultivated his bond, with his best friends Carl Willis, Keith Thornton, Jill Outlaw and a slew of others.  He was a great friend and family member.  

He loved cream puffs from Peoples Bakery to fill the void of his mothers legendary, mouth-watering deserts: lemon meringue pie, peach cobbler, Seven-Up and caramel cakes; and his soul food delight: oxtail soup, greens, cornbread.

Haywood enjoyed his family and friends. Haywood love playing cards, laughing and joking and enjoyed his mother cooking as well. Haywood was a (Momma’s boy) and spoiled by his Mother Eartha Bea Dennis.  

Leonard professed Christ at a young age and he played a more spiritual role in his religious movement.  He enjoyed helping his fellow neighbors, friends, and family; whether it was just an open ear or shoulder to lean on.  Leonard had a passion for fishing, sports, training dogs, and utilizing his keen mechanical abilities. 

Leonard leaves to cherish his memory, one brother: Artenas and one sister:  Ava Oates; three kids daughter Keywanie Yolanda Oates, and his two twin sons, and two grandchildren; Da’Jah Oates and David Howard.