Funeral Services for Rev. Willie J. Hayes, age 87 of Ashland, will be held on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at Pleasant Hill Methodist Protestant Bible Church with Rev. James Parsons and Rev. John Luckie officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery.
Mr. Hayes passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023 at the Clay County Hospital. He was a lifelong resident of Clay County and the High Pine Area, and worked for Dixie Craft and Wellborn Cabinets. Mr. Hayes primarily worked for George Moss Construction, and specialized in Molding, trim work, staircases, and all kinds of wood working. He also was an experienced appliance repairman, and obtained the nickname, The “Junk Man”, for his love of collecting. Rev. Hayes was the head pastor for several churches in his lifetime, and became a street preacher, speaking the word everywhere he went. Mr. Hayes loved listening to music, watching the news and reading his Bible. He collected pocket knives and anything he could squeeze into his pockets. He was charismatic and empathetic, would give you the shirt off his back and food off his plate in order to help someone in need. He was caring, helpful, patient, and showed true Christian Character in his everyday life. Mr. Hayes loved God, His family, and the people that surrounded him.
Mr. Hayes is survived by two sisters: Inell David (Noah) and Sara Davis; three daughters: Glenda Willene Burton (Thomas), Wilma Nell Spraggins (John), and Della Wynette Bolan (David); Daughter in law, Amanda Hayes; two sons: William Foster Hayes (Niccole) and Winston Ocie Hayes (Mandy); 19 grandchildren: Jennifer Taylor (Brian), Stephanie Burton, Brandon Burton (Ashley), Emily Sims (Brandon), Erik Spraggins (Barbara), Cory Bolan (Jade), Courtney Rich (Chance), Chay Bolan, Kayla Hayes, Brieanna Rainwater (Bradley), Robin Burke (Nathan), Hannah Neel (C.L.), Haley Hayes, Holley Hayes (Cheyanne), Dakota Hayes, David Fontenot (Ashley), Austin Cross (Angel), Dylan Pike, and Clayton Pike; A lot of Great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and a large extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Foster and Lillie Mae Lacey Hayes; his wife, Glenda Hayes; son, Willie Lee Hayes; daughter, Judy Wylean Taylor (David); great-grandson, Gavin Spraggins; all of his brothers and three of his sisters.
His visitation will take place on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at Pleasant Hill Methodist Protestant Bible Church from 11:00 A.M. until service time at 2:00 P.M.
