James H. “Gabby” Hayes, 74, of Ocilla, Georgia died Tuesday, March 14, 2006, at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta.
Funeral services will be held 11 A. M. Friday, March 17, 2006 at Frank Primitive Baptist Church, with Elder Edward McIntyre officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 7:00 until 9:00 Thursday evening at the funeral home in Ocilla.
Mr. Hayes was born June 17, 1931, in Winfield, Alabama to the late Jonas Jackson and Eunice Springer Hayes. He lived in Irwin County since 1953, retiring in 1985 as Service Manager for Irwin County Motor Company, where he had worked for 32 years.
Mr. Hayes was a member of the Frank Primitive Baptist Church.
Mr. Hayes is survived by his wife of 51 years; Betty Wright Hayes of Ocilla; daughter: Wanda Hayes-Bryant of Ocilla; 2 Sons: James Anthony “Tony” Hayes of Ocilla and Steven H. (Sue) Hayes of Baxley; seven Grand Children: Brandi (Rusty) Merritt, Russ Bryant, Michael (Amber) Hayes, Cristy (Seth) Taylor, Matthew Hayes, Jake Hayes and Tonya Hayes; six great Grand Children: James Allen Bryant, Morgan Bryant, Lauren Merritt, Leslie Merritt, Slater Hayes and Madelyn Taylor; three brothers: Fred (Dot) Hayes of Birmingham, Alabama, Thurman (Doris) Hayes of Fayette, Alabama and Rabon (Sheila) Hayes of Macon, Mississippi.