Wilford D. Hayes left this earth to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on September 5, 2022 at his home.
Wilford, Will to his friends and family, was born on May 3, 1932, son of the late Lonnie and Lillian Grace (Beard) Hayes. He was born in Tennessee and moved to a small farm in Arkansas in his early years before joining the Army and serving during the Korean War. Returning to Osceola, Will worked as a volunteer fireman with the Osceola Fire Department and was skilled as an electrician and commercial refrigeration business owner. He loved camping throughout Western Arkansas, deer hunting, his precious Raven (their favorite dog), and fishing from the deck at their camping lot at Willow Oaks Campground. Will found joy in following the Atlanta Braves and watched all the games he could find on TV. He was elated to join in the celebrations of the World Series win in 2021.
Will and Sandra (Sandy to her friends) moved to Tennessee in 2005 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 1, 2021.
Will leaves his wife Sandy to enjoy her days with Raven and to enjoy the many years of memories they have made together. He leaves children of a prior marriage, Sherry Bennet of Augusta, AR, Patti Bench of Bald Knob, AR, Donna Hoyer of Sikeston, MO, and Michael Hayes of Florida. He also leaves his sister, Lenora Hayes of Pleasant Plains, Wisconsin and his brother, Don (Nancy) Hayes of Harrison, Arkansas. He also leaves several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by brothers, Adrian, Chester, Louis Gene, and Kenneth, as well as a sister Vivian and two daughters, Mary Hayes and Debbie Hayes Wren, from his previous marriage.
A celebration of Will’s life will be held Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at 11 AM, at Reed’s Chapel in Decaturville, TN. The service will be conducted by Bro. Shannon Clifton, pastor at Bear Creek Baptist Church.
Visitation will be Tuesday 5 PM - 7 PM and Wednesday 10 AM until service at Reed's Chapel in Decaturville. Burial will follow at the Bear Creek Cemetery with military honors at the grave site.
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