PIERCE COUNTY — Mr. James Arthur Hayes, 91, died Friday morning, August 8, 2025, at his residence in Pierce County after an extended illness.
Hayes was born November 18, 1933, in Pierce County to the late John Arthur Hayes and Iva Minchew Hayes. He graduated from Wacona School as the first class to complete 12 years. In 1952, he was employed by what is currently known as CSX Transportation. He began his career in the car department, but he retired in 1995 as an Outbound Inspector after 44 years of service.
Hayes was a longtime member of Central Baptist Church, but he recently attended Emmanuel Baptist Church with his son when he could. He was a former member of the Pogo Squares, and he was always known as a “people” person. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, riding his golfcart, and RVing.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a son, James Richard Hayes; and his siblings, Walter Joe Hayes, Sr., Marvin Hayes, Johnnie Adkerson, Iva Lee Fowke, and Marilyn Hayes.
Survivors include his wife of 73 years, Clara
Hayes Marie Jordan Hayes of Pierce County; his children, Darrell Hayes (Doris) of Pierce County, Bruce Hayes (Terri) of Jacksonville, Fla., Michael Hayes (Debbie) of Blairsville, Ga., Paula Davis (Pete) of Center Hill, Fla., Paul Hayes (Becky) of Blackshear, and Teresa Walker (John) of Macon; 13 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; sister, Carolyn Pierce (late Ed) of Atlanta; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A funeral service was Tuesday at the Music Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Rehobeth Cemetery in Pierce County.
Sympathy may be expressed by posting to his tribute wall at www.musicfuneralhome. com.
