William Henry “Bill” Hayes, of Columbia, Mississippi, peacefully passed from this life into God’s presence on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the age of 86. He was born in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Boone, North Carolina, the last of nine children born to Thomas and Lura Hayes. Bill was a U.S. Army veteran who served our country during the Vietnam Conflict. For his entire career, Bill worked in commercial construction building Walmart stores across the country. After meeting and marrying his wife, Myra, they moved to Columbia where he has been a resident for the past 40 years. Bill was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping “back home” in the mountains. He enjoyed traveling but was most content farming his land and raising Percheron and Belgian Horses. Though he was known for his great sense of humor, Bill will be remembered as a man of God whose deep faith guided his life. He faithfully taught Sunday School and taught Bible Study classes everywhere that he has lived. Bill served his Lord and his community through his longtime membership with Mount Gilead Baptist Church. He actively shared the Gospel and witnessed to everyone he met. His most memorable adventure that he often spoke about was his trip to Israel where he walked on the same roads as his Lord, Jesus. Bill was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who leaves a legacy of faith to his family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by seven siblings and a son, Gregory Hayes. Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Myra Hayes; three sons, Jeff Hayes (Leticia), Jack Hayes (Mindy), and Jeremiah Rader (Ashley); and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
There will be a funeral service to celebrate Bill’s life at the graveside in the New Bunker Hill Cemetery on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 9:00am. The service will be officiated by Brother Dewitt Bain and Doctor Rick Clark. Special music will be presented by Lucas Stringer. Bill will be laid to rest in the New Bunker Hill Cemetery assisted by Jack Hayes, Spenser Hayes, Jeremiah Rader, Bill Chandler, Wade McDaniel, and Kason Hayes serving as pallbearers.
