Benjamin Hayes

Benjamin Mercer Hayes

December 29, 1937- January 13, 2025

Benjamin Hayes went home to live with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, January 13. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Marcia Darnell Hayes of Laurens, SC. He is survived by three daughters, their husbands, and five grandchildren: Ami, David, Feagin, and Hatchell Hardy of Laurens, SC; Laurin, Michael, Madalin, Anderson, and Marc Baker of Landrum, SC; and Jeanna and Evan Brandon of North Charleston, SC. Benjamin also leaves behind two sisters: Helen Hayes Lee of Pensacola, FL, and Judy Hayes Johnson of Hartsville, SC. He was predeceased by his brother, Ted Hayes [1933-1995], of Anderson, SC.

Benjamin was the son of Theodore Ward Hayes [1904-1980] and Ada Hannah Hatchell Hayes [1907-1974] of Latta, SC. He graduated from Latta High School and Clemson University. He completed his post-graduate work at Appalachian State University and the University of South Carolina. He taught science for 37 years in the public schools of South Carolina and North Carolina, with the majority of his years in Andrews, SC; Williston-Elko, SC; Green Sea-Floyds, SC; and Tabor City, NC. He dedicated many hours to coaching both basketball and football at the middle and high school levels.

Benny Hayes was a hard-working man. He was an excellent wood craftsman, a super gardener, and a generous cook. He loved fishing and shrimping in the SC low-country. He enjoyed golfing, and his loyalty to Clemson was never hidden. His life verse was Ecclesiastes 9:10: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." He paraphrased it like this: "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right."

The family will receive friends in the Baker home (410 S. Bomar Avenue, Landrum, SC) on Friday, January 17, from 2 to 6 pm. On Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 1 pm, family and friends are invited to gather for graveside services at Union Cemetery, Gum Swamp Road, Latta, SC. A reception and celebration of life will follow.

In place of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Union Cemetery, Becky Gaddy, 1157 Hwy 38 West, Latta, SC 29565.