Second-Generation President of Little Beaver Passes Away

Little Beaver Inc. announces the passing of Billy Roy (BR) Haynes, loving husband, father, and second-generation president of Little Beaver.

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Billy Roy (BR) Haynes, loving husband, father, and second-generation president of Little Beaver, died on March 13 at the age of 94 surrounded by his family in Livingston, Texas.  

He was born on Oct. 2, 1926 in Livingston, Texas, to Newman and 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) with his father.

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

During his time leading Little Beaver, 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 the ARA in 1961 and FenceTech in 1972. After a successful 27 years leading the company, he passed the business to his sons, Joe and John, retiring in 1987.

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. Haynes' passion and life’s work were in the family business, but he had a diverse range of interests and experiences. Fayelene and Haynes traveled extensively throughout the western U.S. after his retirement, enjoying the many National Parks and other scenic areas.


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