Christopher Michael Hayden, age 60 of North East, MD passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Chris was born on July 8, 1965, in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Elizabeth Josephine (Blevins) Hayden.

Chris nurtured a deep connection with God, finding solace and strength in his Christian faith. He was a man who knew God, and this faith became the cornerstone of his life. Sundays were sacred, as he devoted them to reading the Bible and engaging with church services and podcasts, finding peace and guidance in every verse and sermon.

Chris lived life with an adventurous heart. His love for cars was exemplified by his cherished Nova, and he never missed a chance to attend a concert, where music would fill his soul. A true patriot, he held a deep love for his country, a sentiment that was evident in his everyday life. He also found freedom on two wheels, riding motorcycles and feeling the wind as it carried him forward.

Family was the cornerstone of Chris’s world. A devoted father and coach, he poured his heart into coaching his daughters’ softball teams, never missing a game and cheering them on with unyielding support. He was a dedicated best friend and a loving and caring father and grandfather, whose eyes sparkled with joy at the mere mention of his grandkids.

A man of profound strength and resilience, Chris remained steadfast and positive through life’s trials, and his faith never wavered. He was a pillar of support and a source of inspiration to those around him.

Chris is survived by Holly Hayden; chosen family, Paul Taylor; daughters: Sierra Hayden (Tyler Martin), Elizabeth Hayden Peppers (Jake), and Cassidy Hayden (Jacob Frazier); grandchildren: Lee Martin, and Lacey Martin; uncle, Robert Miller, Sr.; and cousins: Robert Miller, Jr., Terry Miller, and Joan Geisler.

In addition to his mother, Chris is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Sally Pearl Miller.

A celebration of Chris’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 1:00 PM at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., 111 S. Queen Street, Rising Sun, MD 21911 where family and friends may begin visiting at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow at West Nottingham Cemetery.