Photo courtesy of Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home - Sebring
Sebring, Florida
May 13, 1958 – Mar 29, 2022 (Age 63)
Larry William Hayes, 63, of Sebring, FL passed quietly from this earth on Tuesday March 29, 2022 with his wife by his side after fighting ALS (Lou Gehrig disease) for the past 2 years. Born May 13, 1958 in Decatur Illinois to Harold H. Jr. and Alice M. (Cutler) Hayes, he had a hard life growing up and always made sure to stand up for his sisters, he attended Douglas MacArthur High School (class of 1976) and then left to serve in the Army for the next 4 years. He went on to work for Illinois Power Company/AmerenIL as a gas journeyman where he retired after 35 years and then moved to Sebring, FL to enjoy the sun and no more snow. He married in 1993 to Sandi, the love of his life, and raised three wonderful children who adored him. Larry loved wood working and was a talented woodcarver, gifting several projects to family and friends. He was always wearing the most colorful Hawaiian shirts, was often seen in a fedora or cowboy hat and always had a smile on his face regardless of what curve ball life threw his way. He loved God and his family and would do anything for them. He loved nature, traveling, Mel Brooks movies and learned to love every animal that his wife brought home. He was quick to tell a silly joke or quip to make people laugh. He was preceded in death by both parents and a brother, Melvin. He is survived by his wife, Sandra (Freeman) Hayes of Sebring, FL, his three children, Kendra (Michael) Livingston of Sebring, FL, Kristen (Dennis) Puckett of Richmond, KY and Caleb (Megan) Hayes of Buffalo, IL, two grandchildren, Jason and Brandon Livingston of Sebring, FL, four siblings, Harold (Betty) Hayes of Grove City, OH, Jackie Phillips of Knoxville, TN, Alice (Tyler) Ely of Amarillo, TX and Susan (Ryan) High of Normal, IL. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. At this time no funeral or memorial service is planned. The family will notify loved ones in the future when the memorial service is scheduled. Cremation services are provided by Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home, Sebring, FL., In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the ALS Association Florida Chapter (als.org), USF neurology Department (health.usf.edu/medicine/neurology/donate), or Team Gleason foundation (teamgleason.org/donate).
Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
4001 Sebring Parkway
Sebring, FL 33870
Online condolences may be left at:
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Our family knew Larry for many years. We grew up together on Monroe Street. He and my brother Craig Irvin were good friends. Sadly, Craig has also passed. Larry was a good guy. Our deepest sympathies to your family. Carol (Irvin) Cunningham
Carol Unningham
September 16, 2023 | Decatur, IL | Friend
Hard to believe Larry has been gone for one year already. Seems like yesterday when we got together at Bob Evans in Lake Wales and spent the morning talking about the old days in Decatur. RIP Larry. I hope to see you again someday. Gone from us too soon!
Kyle "Scot" Reynolds
March 29, 2023 | Friend
larry was a nice guy and good co-worker. He was my " CUZ" at Illinois Power/Ameren.
jim Billingsley
April 06, 2022 | Decatur, IL | Friend
So sorry for your loss.
Howard & Janie Wise
April 04, 2022 | Decatur, IL
My heart aches for Sandi and the kids. I remember Larry as a loving husband and father. He will always be in your hearts. May these memories stay with you until you meet again. My thoughts, love and memories are with you.
Penny Fitch
April 04, 2022 | Decatur, IL
I really enjoyed working with Larry in the gas department! He was a great guy. I will always remember the fun memories on and off the job! Rest In Peace, my friend, until we meet again!
Mike and Sandy Jones
April 03, 2022 | Mt Zion, IL | Coworker
Sandra and Family, I am so saddened to hear of Larry's passing away. After 45 years we were working at renewing our friendship. I will always treasure our visit at Bob Evans in Lake Wales. I will always remember our visit on your back porch in Sebring. Such good memories. Larry gave me a couple of his wood carvings; they are on my desk. Larry and you both have been in my morning prayers the past two years. Sandra, I will continue to pray for you and your family in the days ahead. May...
Kyle "Scot" Reynolds
April 03, 2022 | School
Hi Sandi, sending my sincerest condolences to you and your family.
You are in my prayers, Maria Dent
Maria Dent
April 03, 2022 | Forsyth, IL | Friend
worked with Larry and his dad Harold ip shop lots of good memories knew his mom too all great people many of ip retired people go to fl memories never die, live forever . Larry was family never forget him god bless family and he on his way to heaven chevy bob and Carolyn reynolds of Springfield IL
Robert Reynolds
April 03, 2022 | Springfield, IL
