Donnie Hayes

Biography

Mr. Donnie William Hayes, 64, of Pioneer Trail, Walterboro, entered into rest Thursday morning, March 20, 2014, in Charleston.

A celebration of his life will be conducted 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon, March 23, 2014, from The Brice W. Herndon and Sons Funeral Chapel, Walterboro. The family will receive friends following the funeral ceremony.

Born November 12, 1949, a native and lifelong resident of Colleton County, he was a son of the late Tandy Hayes and the late Mildred Lyons Hayes Smoak. Donnie will be forever remembered for his overly kind and giving spirit. Donnie owned and operated Hayes Automotive in Walterboro, a business which made him well known by many as a person who gave more than he ever kept. In that business he always went the extra mile for others. Always giving to everyone that needed him. He was also a drag racing enthusiast who loved his 1965 mustang as much as anything else in his life. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and will also be remembered as an avid fisherman. A diamond in the rough, who wasn't finished being polished, Donnie may have left the Earth earlier than anyone else wanted, but he surely left shining bright.

Surviving are: his loving and devoted wife of thirty-three years, Mrs. Melodie Beach Hayes; a son, W. Madison Hayes of Walterboro; a daughter, Tammy Hayes Neuroth and her husband Ryan of Walterboro; and a brother, Chuck Hayes of Walterboro. There are three grandchildren, Nicole Hayes Ackerman and her husband Dallas, Michael Hayes, and Bobby Hiers that also survive. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Carroll Hayes, David Driggers, and Robert Cummings.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be directed in his memory to: Hollings Cancer Center, 86 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29425.

Arrangements by: THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408. Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.