Riley Hayes

Hayes, Riley Monroe was born December 20, 1915 and passed away peacefully on March 25, 2013, at the age of 97. Riley was born in Maplesville, Al., and the 5th of 7 children. He graduated Auburn University in 1938 where he was a standout athlete, lettering in baseball for 4 years. He played baseball in the Al-Fla league until his services were needed by his country in WWII. He enlisted as an officer in the US Army and served in active duty in the Pacific and then in the Air Force Reserves until 1975. Riley worked at Sears-Roebuck for 25 years before retiring in 1978. In retirement, he pursued interests in gardening, and golf. At age 65, he began piano lessons, a lifelong dream. With his wife of 59 years, Patricia, he traveled to every state in the union. Riley was a dedicated member of Hunter Street Baptist Church for 61 years. Patricia Maples Hayes predeceased Riley in 2003. He is survived by 3 children, Martha (James Blackburn) of Pasadena, Ca., Riley M. Jr. of Palm Springs, Ca. and John (Debra) of Hoover, Alabama., as well as nieces, great nieces, and great nephews. Visitation will be held at Ridout's Elmwood Chapel on Friday between 5 and 7pm. A graveside service will be held on Saturday at 10:00 am in Elmwood Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Hunter Street Baptist Church or to the general scholarship fund at Auburn University.