Willis Leete Hayes, age 75, of Hilmar, California passed away at Memorial Medical Center in Modesto, with his loving wife by his side, on Friday, March 10, 2023. Willis was born in Modesto, California to Eleanor W. Capen and Frank E. Hayes.
Willis is survived by his spouse of 39 years, Linda Hayes of Hilmar, his children, Eric Hayes (Kat) of Empire, California, Dr. Antony "A.J." Hayes (Andrea) of Davenport, Iowa and Jessica Wilson (Brent) of Bakersfield, California. Willis is also survived by his siblings, Russel Hayes of Twain Harte, California, Dennis Hayes (Jayne) of Modesto, California, Warren Hayes of Riverbank, California, Adoga Kiharangwa (Kathy) of Oakdale, California, Susan Heckt (Eugene "Tiger") of Cambridge, Minnesota and Kathleen Sayers of Modesto, California. Willis also leaves behind his 3 grandchildren, Christopher Hayes, Kyle Hayes and Evelyn Wilson along with his great granddaughter Kyla Hayes to honor his memory.
Willis was preceded in death by his parents, Frank E. Hayes and Eleanor W. Capen along with his siblings Jeffrey Hayes and Julie Tackett.
Willis served his country in the Army, deploying to Vietnam during the war. He was also a member of the Legionaires and the Clampers.
The Hayes Family would like to thank the staff at Hylond Merced for all the care provided to Willis in the last 6 years.
A Funeral Service for Willis will be held Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service, 286 West Main, Turlock, CA 95380.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstnortondiasfunerals.com for the Hayes family.
