Obituary
Robert Lee Hayes Jr. was born June 23, 1938, in Memphis, Tennessee to the late Robert Hayes Sr. and the late Annie Lou Gholston Hayes. His parents divorced, and he was raised by the late Chester Johnson and the late Annie Lou Gholston Johnson. Robert was a caring big brother to his siblings the Late Richard Johnson, Wanda Johnson (Burnett), and Sandra Johnson.
Under the leadership of Bishop J. W. Bracy he was ordained as a Deacon. He supported Bishop Bracy and his church in all endeavors. He was an exceptionally faithful member of Union Grove. He served in many capacities. He was a Sunday School teacher, Vice President of the Trustee Board, and President of the Deacon Board.
He joined Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in 1951 and was baptized at the age of 13 by the Late Rev. L.D. Sanders. He was an active member in Mt. Zion as a Boy Scout, Sunday School Teacher, member of the Male Chorus, and the Sander’s Singers.
He was diagnosed with cancer in 1993 and was a patient of Cancer Treatment Center of America Tulsa Oklahoma. Throughout his battle with cancer he mentored and ministered to other patients. He openly shared his testimony of living with cancer for 25 years and told them to hold on to their faith because God is still in control.
He attended Hamilton Elementary School and Booker T. Washington High School. He was a lifelong professional bowler. He traveled and competed in bowling tournaments all over the country until his health declined. He was a member of the National Bowling Association. He was united in matrimony to Beverly Hayes and their union was blessed with three children Marcus Andre Hayes, Deirdre Hayes Jones, and Christopher Hayes. He relocated to Florissant, Missouri in 1980 where he worked at Valero Energy Company for 15 years. Upon his retirement in 1995, he returned home to Memphis and began his second career at Kristy Kreme Doughnut Corporation. He was a dedicated member of the Krispy Kreme family for 23 years and was affectionately known as “Mr. Robert.” He married the late Martha Ellis Hayes and was blessed with an abundance of family and friends. He joined Union Grove Holiness Church under the leadership of the late Elder James Merritt in 1995. Joining Union Grove was a major turning point in his life.
He was preceded in death by his Brother Richard Johnson and his mother Annie Lou Johnson. He departed this life on Sunday December 9, 2018, at his home surrounded by family. He leaves to cherish his memories his son, Marcus Andre Hayes, daughter, Deirdre Hayes Jones ( Barry), son Christopher Hayes (Pamela), Grandchildren Shanta, Kanetha, Ashley, Quinton, Marcus Jr., Trenton, Nicolas, and Joshua, two great grandchildren, two loving and devoted sisters Wanda Johnson Burnett (Glen), Sandra Johnson, two nieces Jamie Johnson Hardy (Taurin), Kristin Burnett, one nephew Cordell Johnson, two aunts Dorothy Sullivan and Lucy Gholston, two uncles Carroll Gholston and Clevester Gholston, special cousins Cuba Johnson Jr. (Peggie), Vicky Johnson (Charles). His extended family includes Dorsell Davis and family, Ora Isom, Vincent Martin (Angela), Wade Hardy, Howard Averyheart, Fred Smith, Mary Williams,Wendy Weast, Richard Horner, Jr., Jan Richmond, Kennedi Bond, Kailey Bond and God Daughter Amber Simmons-Grayson.
Order of Service
Processional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Deacon Robert Lee Hayes Medley of Praise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Union Grove Holiness Choir Old Testament Reading (Job 19:25-26). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minister Eric Henderson New Testament Reading (2 Timothy 4: 6-8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Minister Annie Jackson Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elder Robert Simmons Musical Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalmist Reginald Gaston Words of Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend Dr. Eric L. Winston Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bro. Marc Haley, Deacon/Trustee Rev. Wade Hardy, Friend/Bowlers League Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rev. Sandra Johnson Musical Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Union Grove Holiness Church Choir Eulogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bishop J. W. Bracy The Benediction Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Deacon Robert Lee Hayes
God Daddy, It was truly a privilege and an honor to be your God Daughter. There was never a time that I needed you and you didn’t offer to help. Ashton and I have enjoyed sharing in fun times and lots of meals at Piccadilly. We will miss you. I love you and will carry you in my heart forever and always. Love, Your God Daughter
Amber
Acknowledgments
God set forth a plan and a purpose for the life of Robert Lee Hayes, Jr. Through his love, legacy, and courageous walk in life, his memory will never leave our hearts. We, the family of the late Robert Lee Hayes, Jr. would like to express our humble gratitude and sincere appreciation to those who in any way provided support and prayers that comforted us. Your presence with us today is greatly appreciated and has helped us during this time of challenge and transition. Although our hearts are still mourning, our spirits have been lifted by your many acts of kindness and love. May God bless and keep you in perfect peace.
Special Thanks
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Union Grove Holiness Church, Amedisys Hospice Care, Tomea Robinson, Carola Sinquefield, Olga Franklin Cancer Treatment Center of America (Tulsa, Oklahoma), Robert Davis III
Honorary Pallbearers
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Union Grove Deacon and Trustee Boards, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Company National Bowling Association
The Gift of Life
Robert Lee Hayes, Jr. was a generous servant of God. It was his decision and final act of generosity to give the gift of life through an anatomical gift to The University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Until We Meet Again...