Calvin Hayes

Cal was born January 15, 1930 in Thomaston, Alabama to Thomas Watt and Eliza Alexander Hayes. He was the youngest of seven children, two brothers and four sisters. His oldest brother was 25 years old when he was born. He grew up on a small 15 acre farm growing cotton and raising farm animals. His parents instilled the expectations that he would never miss a day of school but still had to maintain his chores on the farm. These expectations then laid the framework for a life full of many hard hours of work to reach the pinnacle of success in his work and retirement years.

Cal joined the Navy in 1948 and served as a radio operator on the USS Helena during the Korean War. When he was in the Navy he met Barbara, his fondest memory of the time. He married Barbara in 1951 and has been married to her for 61 years. He and Barbara have three children, Calvin “Gene”, David, and Linda.

He worked for the same company for 38 years, though acquired several times by different companies, beginning as a painter and janitor progressing to the Manufacturing Manager. He clearly demonstrated what hard work and determination could provide.

In his retirement years he discovered the love for growing roses. So much so that he and Barbara won the top National Prize, the Nicholson Perpetual Challenge Bowl, six times for the best roses at the National Show. This is another clear demonstration of his high expectations and hard work in life.

His Reflections

“Much of my life has been focused on developing myself so I could support my family, educate my kids, spoil my grandchildren and now I look back with pride on how far I have come. I’m proud to see my children doing the same thing today…it’s in their blood too. It’s my proudest legacy.”

Cal is survived by his wife Barbara; sister Doris; three children Gene, David and Linda; eight grandchildren Lee, Brett, Brent, Kellie, Kristie, Ryan, Brittany and Garrett; and eight great grandchildren.

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