Born in White Stone, S.C., on April 18, 1922, he was the youngest son of Beverly Belton Hayes and Ella Mae West Hayes.

A graduate of Pacolet High School, Hayes served in the U.S. Army during WWII in the Pacific Theater. In 1982 he retired from the S.C. National Guard.

Formerly employed by the S.C. Housing Authority, Hayes was retired from the Michelin Corp. in Spartanburg. He was a member of Pacolet United Methodist Church.

In 1943, he married Sara Katherine White of Pacolet Mills who died in 1965. His second wife, Alice Browning Bagwell Hayes of Landrum, died in 1996.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters, Karen Free of Lyman, S.C., and Judy Hodge of Roebuck, S.C.; two grandsons; and two great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by three brothers, Norman Hayes, Willis Hayes and Wallace Hayes and a granddaughter, Jill Hodge.

The family will receive friends from 10-10:45 a.m. Friday,

Feb. 6, 2009 at the Wood Mortuary.

Funeral services will follow at 11a.m. Friday at the Wood Mortuary, with Rev. Jimmy Dillard presiding. A private burial will take place in Pacolet.

The family is at the home.

Memorials may be made to Mobile Meals, P.O. Box 461, Spartanburg, S.C. 29304 or to the charity of one&squo;s choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.

The Wood Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.