The school gymnasium at Haynes-Inman will now be known as the Thurman Haynes Gymnasium, in honor of a beloved volunteer.

The Guilford County Board of Education approved the name at their meeting Tuesday after giving the public 15 days to comment on the proposal.

In their comment, Anne and Norman Andrews said, “We certainly feel that the gym at Haynes-Inman should be named for Thurman Haynes. He gave so much of himself to the school and was well loved by the students, parents and faculty.”

Thurman Haynes sold his land to GCS just over five years ago so that the district could build the Meredith Leigh Haynes – Bennie Lee Inman Education Center, a school named in part for Haynes’ granddaughter who had previously attended a school for children with special needs.

Haynes became dedicated to the project, and once the school was built he began volunteering there every day.

“Thurman had such a loving life, and such a giving spirit, I’m so happy we’re naming the gym after him,” said board member Linda Welborn. “I know Haynes-Inman misses him dearly.

“There’s a consensus that we don’t want Thurman forgotten,” said Principal Kevin Carr. “Naming the gym after him is a way to make sure his legacy is not forgotten.”

Haynes spent every day volunteering at the school until he died in May at the age of 97. He was recognized nationally with a Salute to Senior Service Award and his death was marked with a memorial flag flying over the U.S. Capitol. He was also honored as volunteer of the year by Guilford County Schools.