October 17, 1941 - January 17, 2025
Mr. Henry Wetzel Hayes, 83, passed away peacefully in his home, with his family by his side, January 17, 2025.
Henry was born October 17, 1941, the first son of the late Mr. & Mrs. Hoke Smith and Fannie Loyd (Akins) Hayes. He was born and raised in Hubert / Stilson, GA. He had a happy life in the country, growing up with lots of friends and cousins. He was a hard worker, he loved to laugh, and had a gentle, sweet soul.
He attended Stilson Elementary School and went on to graduate from Southeast Bulloch High School in 1959. From there, he went on to work several jobs such as family farming, helping Troy Buie with new house construction, and finally retiring as a custodian after working at Stilson Elementary School for 30 years. Generations of children grew up knowing Mr. Henry and his little red Toyota truck. He became a fixture of the Stilson Community throughout his career there, known for his friendly reply “Doin alriiight.”
After retirement, Henry kept busy tending to his home place. He loved to cut grass, keep his yard clean, and split firewood with Jimmy. Henry was a master of the fireplace and his perpetual smoke in the chimney was a comforting sign that all was well. His hobbies included raising quail, keeping bees, worms, and crickets, but mostly he loved to collect things. From music instruments, to random treasures. He could see value in the most simple things, and he always needed at least two, if not more, of each thing he collected. He learned early on to take a break during the day and was known for his daily visit to the Country Corner for a coca cola and crackers. He enjoyed his daily treat sitting on the porch in his rocking chair watching traffic. He ended his days watching his favorite country music shows. Henry stayed busy from sun up to sun down every day, even in his last day. His motto stayed true, “Don’t stop moving or you’ll go down quick.”
Henry was a lifetime lover of country music. He had seen every act from Ernest Tubb and Marty Robbins, to Conway Twitty and Willie Nelson, and everyone in between. You name the country music star, and Henry had seen them live and probably had a chance to shake their hands. He had a way of getting to the front of the line to meet his music heroes and they all loved him, and a lot knew him by first name. He loved to tell his family stories about his country favorites. His trademark red suspenders were inspired by his favorite Little Roy Lewis, who he just saw in December. Henry had visited Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry well over 20 times in his life along with his Atlanta cousins and took his nieces there as well to pass along a deep love of country music to his family.
In addition to the work and music he enjoyed, Henry had a deep and abiding faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was a living example of a cheerful heart dedicated to God, family, and friends. He was a loyal and faithful member of Hubert Church for his entire 83 years. He never missed a day of church, and was a true example of a faithful Christian. Henry knew to trust in the Lord, he often said “I don’t worry about nothin, don’t let nothin bother me.” Though we have comfort knowing that he is in a better place, he and his infectious laugh will be very, truly missed.
He is survived by his sister-in-law, Connie Hayes and his four nieces, Monique Morris (Shawn), Stacy Bowe (Michael), Tara Hayes Knight, & Regan Hayes and many more grand-nieces & nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Upper Black Creek Primitive Baptist Church with Rev. Janet Odegaard officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.
Interment will be in the family plot, in the church cemetery immediately following the service.
Pallbearers will be Paul McElveen, Greg Hart, Michael McElveen, Kerry Terrell, Ray Davis, and Jim Forehand.
For those who wish to donate or send flowers in Henry’s memory, the family suggests contributions be made to Hubert Church, c/o Jan Yeary, 183 Home Road, Brooklet, GA 30415 & floral arrangements from the Brooklet Flower Shop, 17436 US Hwy 80 E, Brooklet, GA 30415, 842-9777.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Henry, please visit our floral store.
