Robert Donald Hayes
August 15, 1944 ~ September 19, 2016
ROCKY MOUNT - Robert Donald Hayes, age 72, went to be with his heavenly Father on Monday, September 19, 2016. Born in Nash County, NC on August 15, 1944, he was known as “Rabbit” in his early years, and was the son of the late Clarence Hayes, Sr. and Elsie Howell Hayes. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, JoAnn Chewning Hayes; son, Brent Hayes; sisters, Eunice Hayes Brown, Anna Hayes, Jeanette Hayes Mosley; brothers, Junior Hayes, Charles Hayes, and Irvin Hayes.
After graduating from Benvenue High School, Robert proudly served his Country with the US Marines. Robert was a supervisor with Rocky Mount Undergarment for many years. After leaving RMU he became owner and operator of Benvenue Grill and Kitchen Korner in Battleboro for many years. Robert was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Robert was a devoted deacon at Arlington Baptist Church. He loved unconditionally, his Lord, his family, and his church. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Robert leaves behind to cherish his memory, son, Randy Hayes; grandson, Jaxson Hayes (the apple of his eye), and sister, Frances Watson; along with many beloved nieces and nephews and their families.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 23, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Arlington Baptist Church, 1500 Bethlehem Road, Rocky Mount with Rev. Phillip Coats officiating. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, September 22, 2016 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services.
Flowers are welcome or memorials be made to Arlington Baptist Church, 1500 Bethlehem Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27803 or the charity of ones choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Thursday 9/22, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Service
Arlington Baptist Church
1500 Bethlehem Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27803
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Friday 9/23, 11:00 am
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Donald Hayes
Sorry to hear about Mr Hayes passing he use to speak to me in Walmart all the time yall are in my thoughts and prayers Lee and Amy cooper
Sorry for your loss Peele family
The Bowen family sends condolences.Debbie Bowen brewer
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Donald Hayes
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Donald Hayes
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Donald Hayes
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Robert’s spirit will live on due to his genuine concern and caring he showed to everyone he met. The Grill Gang Ben, Jay, Tim, Charlie, Carl, Cecil, Charles, Larry
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Donald Hayes
Randy, We are so sorry for your loss. I know that you will miss your dad. Lee and I will be thinking about you and praying for you. LInda Dawson
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Donald Hayes
Randy, I want to send my condolences from my family to yours. Robert gave me my first job ever as a dishwasher at the restaurant you all had on country club drive, around 1986(16 yrs old) had much fun working for Robert. He had already hired my mom as a cook (Carrie Lovelace) and she also enjoyed working for Robert bc he had that sense of humor that would bring tears of laughter. My last laugh with Robert was at the Durham Veterans Medical Center in Durham NC we both had appointments and ended up on the same elevator. My mom and I received the news of Robert’s passing days after the funeral in which we would have attended and with that being said Robert will truly be missed
I met JoAnn when as a teenager…we worked at Montgomery Ward together. I got to know Robert as he was dating JoAnn…remember when they got engaged and married. Years later…lived right down the street on Jason Drive and fellow members of Arlington Baptist. What a great couple they were…hard workers…loving and giving. Will miss them dearly…free to be well in body and soul…resting in the arms of Jesus. Marie and Elbert Fisher