where the boys are I like father-like son feature story
Photographed by Collin M. Smith
David Haney
in his most rewarding role
D
avid Haney’s father, Ronald, has left quite an astounding impact upon his son’s life.
“He was very involved in my life and with my friends as we grew up together. What I admire
most is his willingness to sacrifice so that we could have things we probably didn’t need. He
worked many hours in order to provide things for my sister and me. As my dad ages and he’s not
able to do all that he’d like to do, I remember how he used to make as much time as he could to
do activities that were fun for me and lots of my friends. Whether that was fishing, water skiing
or riding dirt bikes, he was always right there with us involved in some way. I learned from him
always to be there for my son when he’s in need and to ensure that he can confide and trust in
me with any problem he has.”
At age 41, David became a father for the first time. “When I found out Mari Kaye was pregnant,
I was very excited.” He recalls that he anticipated every aspect involved in being a dad. His
life was about to change, but he was excited for the new journey ahead. “My interaction with
babies was very limited up until then. [I looked forward to] watching my child learn things and
see how important an influence I could be in his life.” His only concerns were becoming a father
later in life. “I kept calculating how I old I would be at certain milestones in his life, such as
graduation, etc.”
He and wife Mari Kaye only planned to have one child, so they decided to keep the baby’s
gender a secret until birth. “We thought it would be that much more exciting. It wasn’t quite as
practical, but we pretty much knew we would only be doing this once. I would have been very
happy with either a boy or girl; but, truthfully, I probably was hoping a little bit for a boy.” When
it came time for the baby’s arrival, David admits that gender didn’t matter. “Any hopes I may
have had for a little boy had gone away. I just was elated to have a healthy baby and a healthy
mommy.” Out of all of the names on their baby list, David and Mari Kaye chose Joshua.
So far, the best thing about fatherhood is watching Josh grow and develop. David adds, “It’s
also great seeing how he looks up to me with total trust and unconditional love.” Right now, the
most challenging aspect is his fatherly instinct to overly protect and not give in to everything he
asks for. Like Ronald, Josh has inspired David’s life, as well. “Becoming a father totally changed
the priorities in my life. It has made me very sensitive for other kids who aren’t given a good
opportunity to succeed in life.” He’s trying his best to influence Josh, too. “Be honest and make
good decisions, realize that you are responsible for any bad choices you make, and give your
best at whatever you attempt. Finish what you start. Try to find something you have a passion
for to make the hard work that much more rewarding.”
In 2005, David began his career with Cale Yarborough Honda as the General Sales Manager.
Just three years later, he became General Manager. Along with his new title came many more
responsibilities, such as overseeing daily operations. “We have a great management team and
staff in place here now. I make sure we strive for customer satisfaction in every way possible. If
we take care of our customers, everything should work out.” Despite his busy schedule, he
makes sure to fit in plenty of time to partake in fun father/son activities. In his free time, the
boys can be found playing football in the backyard, fishing, riding the four-wheeler and motorcycle, and throwing and catching the baseball. In addition, David admits that he pretty much
goes along with any game Josh can make up for the two of them.
Though he will no doubt share many words of wisdom throughout Josh’s life, there’s something David wants him to remember always: “How much he is loved, for starters, and that no
matter how big or small the problem, he can always come to me.” No matter how busy he may
be from time to time or what his title in life may be, David’s most rewarding role of all is father.
“Hearing him call me ‘Daddy’ every day keeps me motivated to be the best I can be.”
David Haney resides in Florence with his wife, Mari Kaye. They have one son, Josh. David is the General Manager for Cale Yarborough Honda in Florence.
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June 2014
shemagazine.com