Morrell Gwynn Hayes, Sr.

Morrell Gwynn Hayes, Sr. of Cairo, GA, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 12, 2025 at his home. He was born to the late Otis V. and Belle D. Hayes on February 22, 1936, in Climax, GA. He was 89 years old.

He was brought up and attended school in Cottondale, Florida. At the age of 17, during his senior year of high school, he joined the United States Navy and served four years. After being honorably discharged, he married his Sweetheart, Mary Joyce Moree, who survives. They were happily married for 66 years and together had four children, Gege Hayes Gamble (Greg), Phyllis Hayes Arnold, Morrell Gwynn “Bubba” Hayes, Jr and Steven Hayes (Bibi); 8 grandchildren-Jonathan, Joy, Jeremy, Trey, Noni, Linny, Jennifer, and Samantha; 13 great-grandchildren and 3 step-great-grandchildren; he is also survived by his brother John Wayne Hayes (Patricia), and brother-in-law Robert E. Beach along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Glenda Hayes Beach.

While he enjoyed the outdoors and sports, nothing compared to the love he had for his family, the church, his enormous love of music, including singing and playing many instruments, but his greatest love and pleasure was studying the Word of God and preaching the truth of His Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He was saved at the age of 28 and began his ministry of serving, teaching, and preaching shortly thereafter. He ministered to those in jail and prisons, in nursing homes, and to shut-ins. He continued his education and received three earned Doctorate of Theology degrees and one Honorary Doctorate of Theology degree. He was a college Professor at Bible Baptist Institute in Live Oak, Florida. During his ministry, he Pastored New Hope Baptist Church, Tallahassee, FL from 1994-1998; Tabernacle Baptist Church, Cairo, GA from 1998-2009; and he founded and pastored Liberty Baptist Church, Ocklocknee, GA from 2009-2025.

He is remembered by all who loved him as a Godly man who loved to laugh and will be greatly missed. He was quoted as saying, “I made a mess of my life in the beginning, but I wanted to end well.” and he did.

There will be a viewing on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 5pm to 7pm EST and funeral services on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 1pm EST. both at Faith Funeral Home in Havana, Fl. Interment will be private for immediate family only.