Morris Hayes

Mr. Morris Hayes, 88, of Americus died at his residence, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009. A native of Crisp County, Mr. Hayes was born March 23, 1920, a son of the late Johnny Hayes and Gordie Ann Lambeth Hayes. He was the youngest of nine children.Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 24, in the chapel of Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel with Father Robert Girardeau and President Willie Cooper officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Asked to serve as pallbearers are Brad Dickens, Eric Dickens, Andy Kelley, Hayes Willis, Jackson Hayes, Tracy Willis and Jason Goolsby. Asked to serve as honorary pallbearers are Rudy Hayes, Hugh Peebles, John Hayes, Richard Hayes and Mike Hayes. The family will greet friends one hour prior to service time.Mr. Hayes was an altar boy at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church in Cordele, a graduate of Crisp County High School where he was co-captain of the football team and also played baseball. After graduation he moved to Miami, Fla., where he worked for the City of Miami, later worked for his brother and later bought Dade Radiator Co. and ran it for 55 years before retiring. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Battle of the Bulge. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Americus and Sumter County, P. O. Box 1434, Americus GA 31709.Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Darline Hayes; two daughters, Sunny Hayes and Cathy Hayes, all of Americus and one brother, Mike Hayes of Moorpark, Calif.You may sign the on-line guest book and share your own special thoughts and memories by visiting www.greghancockfuneralchapel.com.Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel, 142 Southland Road, is in charge of arrangements.