Raymond Hayes

1936 - 2013

Raymond Lee "Slug " Hayes was a life-long resident of Merced. He was born June 7, 1936 and passed away on December 8, 2013 at 77 years of age.
Ray was born to Elizabeth Ann and Chester Lee Hayes on June 7, 1936, the fifth of six children. He developed a love of baseball at a young age, playing on city league baseball teams, and continued playing throughout high school. He attended Merced High, where he played the position of catcher on the varsity team all four years of high school. Ray graduated from Merced High School in 1954.
 
Two years later, Ray and Marilyn Sowder were married on June 23, 1956. He continued his education at Fresno State and completed his Bachelor's degree at Stanislaus State as a member of the college's first graduation class.
His teaching career began at Mc Swain School, and two years later he began his 33-year tenure with Merced City School District. Ray first taught mathematics, then physical education at Hoover Jr. High School. He continued his career in education at Tenaya Jr. High School as an Assistant Principal and later as a Learning Resource Teacher. Ray enriched the lives of many students throughout his career, and made life-long Friends with colleagues.
During his teaching career, Ray coached baseball, basketball, track and Wrestling at Hoover and Tenaya Jr. High Schools. He spent the summers coaching city league baseball teams and weekends in the fall coaching young players to championships for the Junior Football League. He continued his involvement in local youth sports by officiating in baseball and basketball Leagues. A life-long 49er fan, Ray only missed one game in nearly sixty years; he will be remembered by all for his competitive spirit.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kenneth; sisters, Dorothy, Doris, Betty Jean, and Barbara.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, daughter, Lisa and husband, Brian, son, Aaron and his wife, Sandy, brother-in-law, Clif Sowder, and five grandchildren; Samuel, Caleb, and Ethan Baker, Kaylie and Carson Hayes.
Please join family and friends for a celebration honoring Ray's life at the First Baptist Church on Buena Vista Drive, Merced, on Friday, December 20, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ray to Hinds Hospice or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
A reception will follow the service at the church.
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