David Milton Ray Hayes

1936 - 2018

DAVID MILTON RAY HAYES David Milton Ray Hayes passed into his heavenly reward Aug. 5, 2018. He was born in Culver City, CA Jan. 4, 1936 to Marvin & Naomi Hayes. He will be missed by his sister, Maurine Johnson; brother, Larry Hayes; daughters, Robin (David) Summers & Angela (Stephen) Hammonds; 7 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; longtime companion, Dorothy Carini; his best friend, Janice McCollester & numerous nieces, nephews, cousins & friends. A 1954 graduate of Mark Keppel High School, Dave enjoyed the competition in football & softball. He also played alto saxophone in the band. During that time, he worked at night for Laura Scudder's & for a tree service, climbing & trimming trees. Dave & his family moved to Paradise in 1955. He worked for Diamond Match, falling trees near Stirling City. He then worked for PG&E as a field clerk until changing career paths to sell life insurance. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. In 1968, he & his former wife, Janice, bought a small cattle ranch & developed Dave's Rite-Fed Meats, which was the first designated organic beef company in CA. Dave accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior as a young boy. He was a gifted motivational speaker, winning many awards. He was the first male accepted as a member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU). He was a youth leader, worship leader & board member of Foursquare Churches in Paradise & Chico. In October 1983, Dave accepted the call to become pastor of Magalia Community Church. During his time of leadership, the congregation grew from 17 to over 400. His core message was that God's grace extended salvation to all who would believe, not dependent upon works, but upon God's mercy & grace. He retired as pastor in 2001. During his tenure as pastor, he caused the historic chapel to be restored, moved to its present location & the community center to be built. Community Thanksgiving dinners were instituted as well as the "Rejoice! He's Alive" Easter Pageant & numerous Christmas Eve services. In 1997, he designed & founded Skyway Memorial Park--- a privately owned cemetery open to people of all faiths and locations--- on property adjacent to the church. Dave became pastor of First Christian Church in Paradise in 2003 where he continued until his passing. He was a practical joker, talented musician, athlete, visionary, student, planner & speaker. He performed hundreds of marriages & funerals for people on the ridge. He was optimistic & gregarious. People were drawn to him & he always had time to talk with them. He loved to study the Bible & was always anxious to share the truths he learned. The final truth he wanted to share is that all people are born of the flesh, but those who are called to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior are also born of the spirit of God & will have eternal life. A public Celebration of Life will be held at First Christian Church, 5738 Pentz Road in Paradise on Sat., Sept. 8, 2018 at 11 a.m. View obituary & send condolences online at www.NewtonBracewell.com.