Donald Hayes, 92, passed away Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at NEA Baptist Hospital.
He was born September 8, 1931 in Bowman to the late Leonard and Nellie Mae Tennison Hayes. Donald served his country proudly in the United States Navy during Korean Conflict. He retired from Colson Caster Corp. and had owned and operated a small family farm. He enjoyed walking his dog, Henry, gardening and visiting with grandkids and great-grandkids. He was a member of the Church of Christ.
Donald married the love of his life, Inez Davis in 1955. The two of them exemplified God’s plan for marriage, unconditional love, and life-long commitment. Donald and Inez made the perfect team as they worked side by side to raise children, spoil their grandchildren, and even care for great- grandchildren. You never saw one without the other. They were definitely one another’s best friend.
After their retirement, they spent every minute together. Donald and Inez enjoyed many trips to Spring River, Gulf Coast, and Oklahoma. If there was a graduation, wedding, or other special event, Donald made sure to get Inez there so they could enjoy family times together.
Donald’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren have many treasured memories of their Grandpa/Poppy Hayes. He was never too busy to play with them, take them fishing, camping or give them a ride on his four-wheeler. Donald had a sense of humor and a very playful spirit. He loved to tease, laugh, and have fun with the kids. Even when he was ninety years old, he still got down on the floor to play, wrestle, and draw pictures with his great-grandchildren. He created many fun and happy memories that will forever be with his loved ones.
He is survived by his children, Linda Owen (Bill) of Cookeville, TN, Jerry Hayes (Vicky) of Stillwater, OK and Tammy Hayes of Heber Springs; grandchildren, Chad Wimpy (Mary), Dr. Brittany Mills (Christopher), Rebecca Miller (Shawn), Brooke Phipps (Sam), Blake Hayes (Amanda), Jeff Owen (Shannon), Lisa Kaffka and Jennifer Rawls (Steve); great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Miller, Tyler, Olivia and Isaac Wimpy, Logan Owen, Emily Owen, Katie Barnes, Hannah and Connor Mills, Jordan, Julie and Jaylea Brown, Emma Phipps, Marley, Chayce and Adler Hayes, Aiyana and Adalee Brown; his fur baby, Henry and many nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by his wife of sixty-six years, Inez Hayes; twin infant sons and a sister, Thelma Lee Richey.
A celebration of his life will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 4, 2024 at Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home Chapel with Terry Joe Kee and Jeff Heitman officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Log Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until time of service Monday at the funeral home.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are Roger Anderson, Andy Langford, Jason Coleman, Gary Coleman, Terry Sharp, Bert Corbin Jr. and Chris Davis.