Acree Hayes

Acree Hayes passed peacefully at age 93. A Bedford native, he worked over 25 years in the West Virginia coal mines as a Mine Inspector checking for gas. He was promoted to Mine Foreman which afforded him to move his family to Roanoke in 1959. Here he accepted a job paying $1.07 per hour with the City's water department. A rate of pay he protested, then took as he "had no choice". In an effort to earn more for his family, he went into long haul truck driving. The long trips were not easy for a black truck driver as much of the South was still segregated and most truck stops did not invite or allow black drivers inside. This made it necessary for him to carry his own bologna sandwiches and water. He decided to go into business for himself creating the successful Hayes Custodial Service and Hayes Fuel Oil Service. He later came back to work for and retired from City with a better rate of pay as Custodial Superintendent, with staff of 41 for 56 City buildings, not including schools. During his tenure with City, he accumulated several awards and recognitions, including the Bicentennial "Spirit of America" parade and stadium program, member of Personnel & Employment Practices Commission, Board of Fire Appeals, Fair Housing Board. In 1983, he became the Executive Director of the Roanoke Neighborhood Alliance, member of Neighborhood Partnership Steering Committee, City of Roanoke Retirees Association. In 1968, he was the first black appointed by City Council to the City of Roanoke Personnel Board, which heard complaints about City practices in hiring of blacks, member of Transportation & Safety Commission and the Advisory Board of Human Services to name a few. Married for 60 years to Florence Blake Hayes (deceased), he leaves to rejoice his memories, two daughters, Yvonne Clay-Banks and Carolyn Hayes-Coles (Richard "Jimmy"); one son, Roy E. Hayes (Faith); six grandsons, Davon Nicholson, Troy D. Clay, Jason (Alicia) and Brian Coles, Justin Hayes and Kenneth Stone; two great-granddaughters, Brianna C. Coles and Marissa J. Coles, all of Roanoke; two great-nieces, Eva and Wanda Moore, Atlanta, Ga.; special sister-in-law, Anna B. Payne, Roanoke. Family will honor his requests for private, memorial only service. Condolence may be sent to www.HamlarCurtis.com.