Ronald Lee Hayes

Rougemont – Ronald Lee Hayes Sr., 84 (affectionately known as My Sweet Daddy) entered eternal rest at his home, surrounded by his loving family on March 19, 2024. He was the son of the late Allie White Hayes and Rennie Lee Hayes. He was predeceased by his wife, Gail Wrye Hayes.
He was a retired butcher with the A&P Tea Company and for a period he owned his own meat processing shop. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He spent many hours on his gazebo gazing at the fish in his pond. He received the presidential award of the North Carolina Bowhunters Association in 2005. He was inducted into the North Carolina Bowhunter Hall of Fame in February 2015. He was once the president of Gooch's Mill Archery Club. He was a staunch Duke Blue Devil fan of all sports. He coached many state tournament softball teams. When playing softball, the outfield was known to back up the fence as he came up to bat to the cries of "BIG STICK."
In recent years he enjoyed music and dancing at 360 in South Boston and Picking and Grinning at Schley Grange Hall and Clarksville, VA with all his dear friends.
He is survived by son Ronald "Lee" Hayes Jr (Tammy), daughters Robin Hayes, Vickie Crabtree (Tim), Vanessa Talbert, and Diane Adcock (Richard), and stepson Jeff McKinley (Rachel). Grandchildren: Zac Harward (Etsuko), Amanda Scott, Josh Hayes (Carrie), Brandon Hayes (Megan), Rebecca Hayes, Cheyenne Crabtree (Bret), Cody Crabtree, and Susan Hayes. Step grandchildren: Kristin Hassan (John) and Andrew McKinley. Great grandchildren: Tyler Harward, Leah Harward, Ryan Hayes, Scott Hayes, Josie Hayes, Noah Hayes, Caleb Hayes, Micah Hayes, and Owen Hayes. He is survived by one brother Chester Hayes. He is also survived by a multitude of caring nieces and nephews, and a special friend, Virginia Farris.
He loved and missed his departed siblings dearly: Melvin, Carl, Rachel, Ida, Sadie, and Evelyn "Bootsie."
A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024, at Clements Funeral Home with Reverand Josh Hayes officiating. The family will receive family and friends from 1:00-3:00 pm prior to the service and at other times at his home.
Prelude music will be played by his close friend, Mike Scarlett. A special thanks to all his neighbors who were like extended family to him. All the visits, telephone calls, cards and food from family, friends and neighbors were much appreciated.
Flowers are acceptable or memorial donations be made to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.