BURTON HAYES JR.

Burton Hayes, Jr., 93, passed away at his home in Ettrick, VA, on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, surrounded by his family. Burton Jr., affectionately known as "Nick" was born on February 13, 1925, to Burton N. Hayes, Sr. and Julia B. Hayes. He was the oldest of four children with his youngest sister, Aubrey H. Jackson, surviving.

He attended Petersburg Public Schools until his education was interrupted by World War II in 1943. He was inducted into the United States Marine Corps and reported for training to Camp Montford Point, NC. Burton was in that initial group of African Americans accepted into this branch of service. Therein he served as a gunner in the Pacific Theater until 1946. Being honorably discharged in 1946, he completed his high school education and subsequently entered Virginia State College from which he graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. Burton taught and/or coached in Hopewell, Chesterfield, Waynesboro, Prince George and Petersburg for 35 years, retiring in 1997.

Burton Jr. accepted Jesus Christ as his savior at an early age at First Baptist Church – Harrison Street, Petersburg. He became a member of Zion Baptist Church 65 years ago and in 1988 was named "Father of the Year." Burton was a devoted member of the Men's Bible Class and the Board of Trustees for over 50 years. His love for Zion was most evident in the beautiful shrubs and flowers he planted and tended at the church's entry.

"Nick" Hayes married Mildred Scott 70 years ago on December 26, 1952. They are the parents of two sons and five grandchildren. He was a "father figure" to a group too large to number. His love for and enjoyment of youth was no secret and since he was twenty-five years of age, there was always room in his home for more than his own. He's worn so many father-type hats: coach, little league coach, Little League Commissioner, Big Brother, teacher, mentor, and friend. He gave freely of his time, his resources, and his advice – some asked for and some not. Many of the youth whose lives he touched sought him and it brought unspeakable joy as they related positive results and successes they've known. Although known as a strict disciplinarian, he was always labeled as fair and caring enough to give support and helping hands.

He was a life member of the Virginia State University Alumni Association, Greater Petersburg Chapter (GPAAA) and was name a "Golden Trojan" in 2013. Burton remained active in the GPAAA and served as Vice President, Chaplain, and Parliamentarian. He was also a charter member of the VSU Athletic Booster Club and served for more than 50 years, serving on its Board of Directors for many years. He was a football player at Peabody High School and at Virginia State from 1948-1950. Burton Jr. loved attending VSU's sporting events on campus or on the road; the CIAA Championship Football games and CIAA Basketball Tournaments, no matter where the location. In 1994, Burton Hayes, Jr., was inducted into the Virginia State University Athletic Booster Club Wall of Fame. He generously supported his alma mater financially over the years.

Burton Jr was an ardent supporter of the Children's Home of Virginia Baptist and generously made financial donations to the Home. He has been a Connecting Link of Petersburg Links, Inc., for 49 years.

Burton was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Robert E. Hayes; and a sister, Doris H. Cook. Burton is survived by his wife, Mildred; two sons, Burton N. Hayes, III, Ettrick, VA, Timothy S. Hayes (Tonette), Chesterfield, VA; grandsons: Micha S. Hayes (Rashalon), Upper Marlboro, MD, Timothy Scott Hayes, Jr., and Tanner Hayes, VMI, Lexington, VA; granddaughters: Ashley M. Hayes, Washington, DC; Tali Hayes, Chesterfield, VA; great-grandchildren: Micha Appling, Maury Hayes, and Amira Hayes; sister: Aubrey H. Jackson (Luther), Petersburg, VA; nephew: Keith Jackson (Margaret) Chesterfield, VA; niece: Jewel Baldwin, Ft. Washington, MD; first cousins: Valerie Harris, Chesterfield, VA, Billy Hayes, Ettrick, VA, Bernice Hayes, Ettrick, VA, and B. Kaye Hayes, Washington, DC.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted 11 a.m., Saturday, September 22, 2018, at Zion Baptist Church, 225 Byrne St., Petersburg with the Pastor, Rev. Michael Shannon, officiating and the Rev. Dr. Andrew White, eulogizing. Interment to follow in Southlawn Memorial Park, Petersburg. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, September 21, 2018, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please made donations to the Greater Petersburg Area Alumni Association (GPAAA) Endowed Scholarship Tuition Assistance, PO Box 9292, Petersburg, VA 23806 or Montford Point Marines Association (MPMA) National Scholarship Director, PO Box 711, Quantico, VA 22134. Funeral services have been entrusted to the professional staff of the Fisher-Hayes Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 415 Halifax St., Petersburg, 804-324-5529.