Hayden was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Hayden S. Porter Sr. and Thelma Wulfeck Porter. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati and retired from Furman University as the Daniel Distinguished Professor in the Department of Computer Science after 33 years of service.

Hayden is survived by his wife of 54 years: Patricia Maloney Porter; one son: Hayden Porter III, married to Cindy Thalman Porter; and one daughter: Emily Porter, married to Jeffrey Dziedzic; and one granddaughter: Cora Porter.

A visitation was held Monday, November 7, 2022 at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home, Pickens, SC 29671.

Burial will be at the Hiett Chapel Cemetery in Ripley, Ohio with graveside rites at 11:00 AM Saturday, November 12, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Local arrangements by the Knox and Brothers Funeral Home, Maysville, Kentucky. Condolences at knoxbrothersfuneralhome.com