Bobbie Ann Hayes

Bobbie Ann Hayes, age 77, of Lake Park, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at South Georgia Medical Center, Smith Northview Campus, following a lengthy illness. Born on December 18, 1947, in Lowndes County, GA, she was a daughter of the late Wilbur H. Harris and Minnie Lee Burnett Harris. Mrs. Hayes was a dedicated and hardworking school bus driver for Echols for 4 years and then proceeded to become a truck driver, serving with various trucking companies that let her travel many places across the USA, where she earned the respect and admiration of many throughout her career. She even took pilot lessons. She loved, knew, and trusted GOD and when her health permitted, she attended church. Over her last few years of good health, she enjoyed spending time at her daughter’s local store where she met and made many memories and lifelong friendships. 

Bobbie Ann is lovingly survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Crystal and Kevin Simpson of Echols County; her sons and their wives, Jimmy Frazier of Valdosta, Jerry and Vanessa Frazier of Statenville, GA, Johnny and Rachel Odom of Lake Park, GA. She also leaves behind cherished grandchildren: Kevin II, and Kayla Simpson of Echols County, GA; Kaitlyn and Clayton Davis of Hahira, GA; Kortlyn Simpson of Echols County, GA; Brianna Melton of Valdosta, Ga; Cassidy and Michael Castellano of Valdosta; Acline Melton IV, of Texas; Heather Odom and Johnny Odom Jr. of Lake Park, GA; and Thomas Frazier of Valdosta. Her great-grandchild, Kayzleigh Simpson, Adalynn Castellano, Anthony Castellano Jr, and her sister Dorothy Bennett of Lakeland, GA, also survive her. 

Bobbie Ann was preceded in death by her siblings Loretta Swann, Jane Richardson, and William Harris. 

Family and friends are invited to visit and pay their respects on Monday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the McLane Lakewood Funeral Home. 

A funeral service honoring Bobbie Ann Hayes will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in the chapel of McLane Lakewood Funeral Home, with Reverend Tyler Carter and Reverend Richard Hendley officiating. Burial will follow at Statenville Cemetery. The family welcomes online condolences, which may be shared at www.mclanecares.com.