Born in Pickens County, S.C., he was the son of the late J. O. and Mabel Wynn Hayes. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth Bradshaw and Ruby Wolfe, and one brother, Rev. R. B. Hayes.

He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy in the Mediterranean area. He retired after almost 40 years service with the Saluda Post Office as a rural mail carrier. He was of the Baptist faith, a devout Christian husband and father.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ruby Holbert Hayes; two daughters, Cecilia Hayes of Hendersonville, and Elizabeth (Libby) Bradley and husband Wayne of Saluda; two sons, Rev. Tom Hayes and wife Cindy; and Jeff Hayes and wife Jill, both of Saluda; a brother, Cecil Hayes of Tryon. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, Andolyn Herndon, Kerry Jones, Sheremy Finley, Alethea Capps, Milland Bradley, Angela Hayes, Clarenda Lindsey, Laradon Pilot, Jennifer Hayes, Akaisha Hayes and Dillon Hayes; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 2, 2008 in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, with Rev. Perry Forrest, Rev. Walter Gordon and Rev. Henry Vegter officiating.

Burial will be in the Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery, Saluda.

Family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday night in the McFarland Funeral Chapel. &bsp;

An on-line guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel of Tryon is in charge of arrangements.

‐ paid obituary