Stephen "Steve" Hayes

Stephen "Steve" Patrick Hayes, age 72, passed away on December 16th, 2020 in Gulfport, MS.

Steve was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. Following high school and a pull to serve his country in the midst of the Vietnam War, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and traveled the world as a dedicated sailor, spending most of his time in the Western Pacific as an Operations Specialist. Steve proudly served for 21 years, quickly advancing the ranks, and retired as Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9) in 1987. These experiences led him to find work with various defense contractors, eventually landing him in South Mississippi where he worked and retired as a software test engineer for Northrop Grumman. Steve remained a resident of South Mississippi until his death, continuing his love affair with the water, always chasing the big catch at the end of his fishing pole. He loved the Yankees, the USS Sterett, his shipmates, and his boat, but he loved nothing more than his family. He raised three daughters with unwavering pride and spent his final years as "Paw Paw" to his grandchildren. His life and heart were full.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Ellen Teresa and James Gerard Hayes; sister, Ellen Anne Gregory; and grandson, Eli Carson Hayes-McCloskey.
Steve is survived by his daughters Carolyn (Dominic) Robinson of Ocean Springs, MS; Cynthia (Justin) Rae of Maryville, TN; and Lynda Hayes of Ocean Springs, MS; grandchildren, Mckenzie, Victoria, and Xavier Robinson and Cameron, Collin, and Calli Rae. He is also survived by his brother, Daniel F. Hayes of St. Petersburg, FL, his nephew Brian (Terri) Cleary of Louisville, KY, his nephew Christopher (Beth) Hayes of Baltimore, MD, his niece, Annie Hayes of Los Angeles, CA, and many other friends and family scattered throughout the U.S.
Friends are invited to join the family on Wednesday, December 30th at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd., at Washington Ave., West Jackson County. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. with the Celebration of Life Memorial at 3 p.m. Mr. Hayes will be laid to rest at a later date at Biloxi National Cemetery. The online guestbook may be viewed, and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com
He was a sailor’s sailor and a family man. His wisdom, support, and love will be missed.
“Ever upwards and onwards,” ~Steve Hayes