Charles Ronald "Ron" Hayes

Charles Ronald "Ron" Hayes, faithful Christian and beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, went to be with the Lord at the age of 77 on October 21, 2024.
Ron was a native of Meridian Mississippi. He attended Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi on a baseball scholarship. After graduating in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics he married the love of his life, Judy Brasher. Ron joined the Marine Corps and completed Officer Candidate School, Basic School, and Field Artillery School in 1970. He proudly served his country both at home and abroad as a United States Marine for the next 21 years, achieving the rank of Major. Along the way, Ron and Judy had two children, Holly and Josh. Together, they navigated their family through multiple moves and duty stations from North Carolina, to Virginia, to South Korea, and Georgia. With Ron, life was always an adventure. After retiring from the Marine Corps in 1990 Ron went on to a successful career as a sales manager at Core Concepts in Pensacola, Florida. Ron was active in his community and served as a Deacon at First Baptist Church, Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He attained his most cherished title when he became "Poppy" to his grandchildren, Juna and Harrison Hayes.
Ron was a man of deep and unshakable faith. He loved God and he loved his family. He was a gifted teacher and a powerful role model for many. He was always ready to listen, to encourage, and to lend a helping hand. His sense of fun was irresistibly infectious. He was an athlete and a scholar. He was proud of his country and the Corps. He lived a life of true integrity and authenticity.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin George and Margaret Murry Hayes, brother Roger Dale Hayes, and sister-in-law Barbara Hayes.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 54 years, Judy Hayes, son Charles Joshua Hayes, grandchildren Juna and Harrison Hayes, daughter Holly Crawford and her husband Scott Crawford, brother Alvin (Glenda) Hayes Jr., sister Carolyn (Frankie) Crawford, sister Judy (Bob) Swinney, sister Tommie (Randy) Ethridge, dozens of nieces and nephews, and many other extended family members and special friends. He will be missed beyond all measure.
The family will receive loved ones at Emerald Coast Funeral Home for visitation Friday, October 25, 2024 at 9:00 AM. This will be followed by a memorial service to celebrate Ron's Life beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery at 1:00 PM with military honors provided by the United States Marine Corps.
In lieu of flowers, please share a special memory or photograph on Ron's Tribute Wall below.