Hayes Martin Durliat

Hayes and his family worshiped at GracePointe Ministry Center. He graduated Union County High School in 1998. Hayes Martin worked as a Maintenance Tech with various apartment complexes since 2012. He currently worked for Highmark Residential at their Eagle Pointe property in West Knoxville. Hayes' previous places of employment included, ADT, Clayton Homes, and Regal Cinemas.

Hayes Martin had many titles. He was a husband, a sweet, dear daddy, a proud Papa, brother, and beloved son. He would tell his oldest daughter, Alli, "You need me, I'm there. I am just a phone call away." He was a protector to his children in many ways. He told them, "If you are ever in danger to get behind me and I would keep safe." He would hug his wife and she would melt into his arms and she would tell him, "This is my favorite place to be." He slept on the floor many nights in his sons' room to keep the bad monsters away. His baby daughter was getting her first covid test at 4 when she wanted to call her daddy to tell him she was scared and wanted him. Next thing you know, here comes daddy and he parked outside the window so she knew he was there. He would tell his sons, "You've got work to do, let's get it done" when teaching them how to become men. When his children would tell them they loved him, his whole world lit up. When Alli would hug him and tell him she loved him, he knew those hugs were rare and special. He wanted you to believe he was a "tough guy," but in reality, he was nothing but a big softy. His personality was a perfect mix of his parents, John and Brenda Durliat. He could show tough love when needed, had a quick wit, loved to challenge you in a conversation, but had the biggest most tender heart and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Hayes loved spending time with his family when he came home from work. When Hayes walked in the door, his children ran to him for their hugs. Then he would wrap his arms around his wife and plant a kiss on her forehead.

Hayes also loved spending time with his parents and sisters at family dinners on Sundays. He also enjoyed group phone calls with his cousins, Jason, Brian and his Uncle Richard. Hayes would also tell you his Aunt Amy gave the best hugs. Hayes also loved playing Rummy with his oldest daughter. He tried his best to beat her, but only won one game.

Hayes had a natural love for movies. He spent many childhood days enjoying movies while his dad was working at various theaters throughout the Southeast. Hayes could tell you which movie he watched for the first time and in which city his dad was working. He also had a love NASA. Hayes surprised his son, Hayden James this past April for his 13th birthday for a Dad/Son trip to Kennedy Space Center and was able to enjoy a rocket lift off together.

Hayes Martin also enjoyed hunting. He looked forward taking his boys hunting. Hayes Martin also had the privilege of taking his granddaughter, Kennedy hunting last year. He also loved hunting with Earl, when he could, and go to Ohio to hunt with his friend, Mike.

Hayes and his brother-in-laws, Steve and Don, spent a day planning and building a shooting range in the back of the property. It was not uncommon for Hayes to tell you to come up and we will shoot some guns. He took great pride in showing his boys how to properly maintain a gun after use. He also drilled in their heads about gun safety.

Hayes Martin also had a passion for various water sports. From boating up on Norris Lake, he learned how to water ski at age 14 while still living in Ohio. His dad took him to YMCA to learn how to scuba dive at the age of 12. Hayes Martin was caught skipping school after the family moved to Florida so he could go on expedition dives. To not get caught, he would disconnect the phone so the school could not call.

Hayes is preceded in death by his father, John Ray Durliat; paternal grandparents, Mac and Edna Durliat; maternal grandparents, JC Smith and Amy Hartsel. Hayes Martin is survived by his loving wife, Tarah Durliat. Hayes is known as daddy to his 4 children who were his whole world: Alli (Justin), Mash (age 27), Chance Martin Durliat (age 14), Hayden James Durliat (age 13), and Jena Kay Durliat (age 9). Hayes is also known as Papa to Kennedy Mash (age 11), and Asher Mash (15 months). Hayes Martin is also survived by his mother, Brenda Kay Durliat; 2 sisters, Elena (Steve) Legg and Michelle (Don) Langford; nephew, Johnathan (Veronica) King and great-nephew, Noahh Edwards. Hayes also leaves behind his Aunt Franca Champine, Aunt Amy Devine, and Uncle Richard Hartsel along with several cousins who he loved dearly.

A memorial service for Hayes Martin Durliat will be held at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Receiving of friends will be from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. A Memorial Service for Father and Son will follow with Bishop Earl Stinson officiating. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up to help his wife and children with upcoming living expenses and the children's future education at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-funeral-and-family-of-beloved-dad?lid=9vrqjj6iqr2y