James "Wayne" Hayes

James “Wayne” Hayes of Boonville, NC passed away on November 13, 2024, unexpectedly. He was born on March 25, 1939, to the late John Columbus and Freida Swaim Hayes. He went to Boonville High School. He was married to Phyllis Gail Suddreth in 1968 until her death in May 2001. Surviving children are James Wayne Hayes II (Boonville, NC); Brandon Hayes, Wife Monika and grandchildren, Alexandra, and Andrew (Dallas, TX). Also surviving are his wife, Kay Stinson Hayes and her children, Edwin Stinson, Jeff Stinson, Joel Stinson; his brother Alton Hayes; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was also preceded in death by his seven siblings Lillian Thomas, Gerry Ingram, Doris Wilmore, Louise Long, Lois Shore, Dwight Hayes, and Hubert Hayes.

Wayne served in the National Guard after high school, after which he spent his entire professional career with Simplex-Grinnell (formerly Grinnell Fire Protection) where he worked in the Carolinas starting in the '60s, served as an Engineer in Lithonia, GA from 1974 to 1986, and finally served as the Branch Manager in Nashville, TN from 1986 to 2005, retiring after more than 35 years. He coached baseball in Conyers, Georgia and served as President of the local youth baseball organization. After retirement, he drove the bus for the Yadkin County School System. He was an active member of Richmond Hill Baptist Church in Boonville.

In 2004 Wayne married Kay Stinson of Boonville, NC. They enjoyed playing cards with their friends, cooking BBQ for the Hayes/Crissman reunions. He loved watching Braves baseball and Carolina Tarheel sports. Also enjoyed playing golf and hunting.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 pm on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Richmond Hill Baptist Church Family Life Center in Boonville, NC. The funeral service will begin at 3:00 PM Sunday in the Family Life Center by Rev. Luke Money. 

The family requests donations be made to Richmond Hill Baptist Church.