Vernon Holt Hayes

Vernon was born in Linden, NC to Howard and Ruby Hayes on January 13, 1933. Vernon was reunited with his parents, and our Lord and Savior on April 26, 2025. He was 92 years young.

Vernon, more better known as Daddy, Papa or Papa-Papa, was preceded in death by the love of his life Elizabeth and a brother Bobby Dean. Vernon is survived by his sister, Carolyn Starling; his favorite daughter, Phyllis, and best son in law Bobby Cruz; sons, Michael (Felicia) and his baby boy Jeffrey and wonderful wife Tammy; a nephew who was like his son, Chris Morrill (Patricia); and seven grandchildren, Nikki (Bill), Rose (Travis), Lindsey (Uno), Brady (Katelyn), Landon (Sarah), Lexy (Seth), and Treyson. Vernon’s blessings did not stop there, he was blessed with 15 great-grandchildren with one on the way and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Vernon was a selfless man, always doing for others. A servant of God he was a long-time member of Green Springs Baptist Church where he and his wife Elizabeth spent many Sundays together in song and worship. Together they enjoyed their church family and supporting their community. Vernon was a hardworking man - A true Man’s Man - with a gentle soul, when he was not chasing you with a “good” snake he found. Retiring from Borden Chemicals after 39 years he always came home to work on his to-do list taking care of the shopping, yard work, his garden, honeybees, taking apart tractors bolt by bolt, climbing ladders at 85, setting off dynamite, learning to make his wife’s buttermilk pie, and of course reading the newspaper and looking at family pictures. Vernon enjoyed giving back to his community by dedicating many years volunteering with the Grays Creek Fire Station #18. But his favorite past time was spending it with his family and friends enjoying a good meal. That man loved to eat!

Vernon will be deeply missed by those who loved him. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Although we are saddened by our loss, we find comfort knowing he has been reunited with the beautiful love of his life “Lizbeth” whom he has been longing for, along with her biscuits.