William A. Hayes

William August "Bill-Gus" Hayes, 85, passed away on January 23, 2026, after a brief illness.

He was born January 29, 1940, in Washington, Indiana, to the late Joseph W. and Pauline (Ebler) Hayes. Bill was a 1958 graduate of Washington Catholic High School and proudly served six years in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Reserve.

A longtime member of the American Legion and United Auto Workers Local #23, Bill dedicated 42 years to General Motors and the UAW, earning numerous honors throughout his career. He served as President of UAW Local #23 Indianapolis Chevrolet Truck & Bus Plant, was later promoted to Region 3 Co-Director of the UAW-GM Human Resources Center and ultimately retired as a UAW International Representative.

Basketball was one of Bill's greatest passions, playing point guard in high school and while serving in the Navy. He later coached his sons in the Mooresville Junior Basketball League while building lifelong friendships serving on the league's Board of Directors.

Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy (Cannon) Hayes; sons William "Billy" Hayes (Carrie) and Brian Hayes (Lise); daughter Lori Johnson (Adam); sisters Sharon Decker (Ron) and Rita Barnett (Ed); nine grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Bill was deeply proud of his family and worked tirelessly to ensure his children received a college education. His grandchildren were the joy of his life, and he attended as many of their games, activities, and events as possible.

Public visitation will be held Thursday, January 29, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Carlisle-Branson Funeral Home in Mooresville, Indiana, with military honors to follow. A second service will be held at a later date in Washington, Indiana, where Bill will be laid to rest at Saint John Cemetery.