ATHENS - Michael "Strider" Hayes formerly of Athens, passed away on July 23rd, 2014 at his residence in Wellston, Ohio.
He was born on April 10th, 1956 to James Dale Hayes and Ruby Ellen Thomas Hayes in Columbus, Ohio.
Strider was infamous. He was known for his love of motorcycles, music, and making mischief. He was a hero several times over, having served in the armed forces as well as risking his own life multiple times to save friends and strangers. While Strider was well known for embellishing his life story, he did tour with Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, The Grateful Dead, Guns N Roses, Metallica, and Genesis, just to name a few. He spent many years protecting drunken Halloween celebrants from themselves during The Block Party, and once worked security for The Pope. But the best of his accomplishments are his two beautiful Amazonian children.
He is survived by his mother, the one of a kind Ruby Ellen of Saltville, VA, his brothers Ted (Melinda) Hayes of Dexter, OH, Larry Hayes of Columbus, OH, Jim (Annette) Hayes of Marion, VA, Terry Hayes of Saltville, VA, and his sisters Julia Hayes of Saltville, VA and Cora Tripp of Vineland, NJ, his beloved children Jessica Amber Hayes and Jeremy Dale Hayes (Morgana Marks), and their mother Julie Francke Veach of Athens, OH, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Dale Hayes, and brother, Pete Hayes.
Special thanks go to Lyric Powers and Chester Cravens for being an integral part of the extended family.
Feared by many, loved by most, respected by all.
Services will be held on Saturday, August 2ndat 1PM at Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home on Morris Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project at http://support.woundedwarriorproject.org. You may sign the online guestbook or leave a private message of sympathy for the family at www.hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Herald-Dispatch on Jul. 26, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Hayes

26 Entries

Kenny

July 20, 2025

Still thinking of you today and all you haven’t Athens. Here is to The Kids

Brad Ashbaugh

April 19, 2015

So many months and I still have trouble believing this. Thoughts pass and I think "Strider's gonna love this!", but you're not there to tell., Miss you, old bud, and look forward to our reunion. Best to the family. See you folks soon. Boogie

Frank Theisen

August 2, 2014

I will always remember you Strider!! May God hold you in his arms!!

August 2, 2014

What a wonderful and colorful person has gone from us. Condolences to his great family and friends. Dixie

Barb Abels

August 2, 2014

During this long, strange trip that is my life, I have met many thousands of people; only a few have been remarkable enough to make a lasting impression. Strider is one of the people that I will never forget! He was a character, full of love, laughter, and light. He was always happy to see me, and over the years he never forgot me, despite the distance between us. I will miss you, and your mischievous ways, my old friend! Aloha!

July 31, 2014

Truly a unique loss. I enjoyed working with Mike, and always took the time to chat cause we understood each other's lives and appreciated each other. Till then, Strider.

John Thomas

July 31, 2014

I was not a close friend of Michael's, but then anyone that ever met him was a friend for life. I met him when he helped out at school with our plays. He always had a big smile and a story, and in so many ways he was bigger than life. I know he will be missed. My heart goes out to Jessica, Jeremy and Julie.

- (Mr T)

Ed and Wanda Pennington

July 31, 2014

Stories you told us and stories we have been part of comfort us now. You were a gentle giant in a 10 gallon hat. Thank you Strider for what you gave to us.

Lois Lukens

July 30, 2014

Mike and I loved each other for several years in the early 70s. We rode the Suzuki to Bland to meet and visit the family. I remember you all very well. My heart is saddened at his passing so early in life, and at the same time, I know he lived his life fully! We were a couple when he had the motorcycle accident that forever altered his facial structure. I have so many happy memories of our relationship and have always held him close in my heart. I learned a lot from Mike and love the phrase in his obit..."Feared by some, loved by many, respected by all"....so true. You may remember me as Shirt...Much love and respect, Lois Lukens

Joann Hawk

July 29, 2014

I was just in Athens last week & drove by a house where he once lived. The memories flooded my mind. It must have been a sign. My Dad introduced me & from then on I had a friend. A friend that had made his path along the way, and I knew I had my protector for as long as Strider was around...all was sound. RIP you wonderful Man-hook up with Charlie Hawk & and ride into into foreign land. Love you Strider!!!

Karen & Richard Hatfield

July 29, 2014

To all the family, Richard and I just found out today of Mike's passing and we are so saddened by this news!!! My heart is breaking, sure wish we could have talked with Him one more time! He was a life long friend since grade school. May God comfort all your hearts in a way only He knows how to do!! We love you all so much!!!

July 29, 2014

I met Mike in Junior hi, and we were taken on a school field trip to that Hotel/Nightclub halfway between Mason and Point Pleasant ,WVA ...The one that had the bar and dance floor under the huge Geodesic Dome...Mike put a quarter in the jukebox and played a song called "Baby It's You " , He got up and danced and sang that song like a pro! One if many great Mike Hayes memories!

July 29, 2014

SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. HAVE NOT SEEN THE HAYES IN YEARS. FRED JONES

Tony Mollica

July 29, 2014

I would like to express my condolences to the family for their loss. Strider was a good man! I used to tease him that he was the roughest guy that I wasn't the least bit afraid of. He was a master storyteller and a joy to be around. The world was definitely a better place for Strider having been in it. God Bless!

Shari Furst-Claycomb

July 28, 2014

Oh the memories you have left me with, on all our great times at Swanky's, West End and especially bike runs and party's at Elliotsville! Your smile lit up the anywhere you were at, you were always all heart. May ur light live on in ur family as I know it shall within all ur friends!!

Barry Bolin

July 28, 2014

Ted Hayes and family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of Michael. May the good Lord give you peace, comfort, and sustain you during this difficult time.

Lynne and Barry Bolin

s

Vicki Senn

July 27, 2014

I'm so sad. Strider was a fierce warrior and protector with such a kind, gentle heart. I will always remember you, dear friend. It won't be like Athens, without you. Say hi to Cliff and Elizabeth for me. I'll miss you.

Michael Sullivan

July 27, 2014

I met Strider at my Uncle Dave's bar during a summer in the early '90's. I never for got his name. I'm very bad with names, which means Strider made an impact on me. I will always remember him getting me on the roadie crew for the Grateful Dead & Violet Femmes during a summer break while in school in Columbus. It's a story I've shared many times with folks over the years. God Bless you Strider and much Love & Aloha to the family.

Michael Sullivan

darlene jordan

July 27, 2014

Jess, so sorry for your loss, prayers for you and your family at this hard time. hugs.
Darlene Jordan

Kenny Kerr

July 27, 2014

Heaven get Ready. Here Comes Strider. Good Friends. Good Dad. Welcome Home. Kenny. USN 1968- (VN-69) 72..

Beth Abramovitz

July 27, 2014

Remembering your kind smile.

Fred Burney

July 27, 2014

Sail on my Friend to the Peace of a Loving God.

Paul Jacobson

July 27, 2014

Strider my Brother,We became the best kind of family. That's because we CHOSE to be family. So many adventures..leading to so many memories. Memories I will cherish FOREVER......

Zoltan Krompecher

July 26, 2014

Strider, You always brought a smile to my face when you walked into the West End Tavern. Thanks for taking me along on the Grateful Dead show, nights full of laughs, and just being a Stan up man. I'll miss your smile and stories. Airborne and God bless! LTC "Z" Krompecher

Kim & Tawna Rogers

July 26, 2014

Rest in Paradise, Strider!

Cheryl J Skinner, Patriot Guard

July 26, 2014

May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time

May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,

May your memories of Michael Hayes, give you peace, comfort and strength…

Rest now in the arms of our Lord your work on earth is complete.

I thank you for your service to our Country and for my Freedom

You will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of.....

US Veteran Michael Hayes, “A True American Hero” God Bless†

† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †

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