Frank “William” was born on December 25, 1954 in Flint, MI, to Frank William “Bill” Hayes Jr. and Phyllis “Phyl” Jean Hayes (Dixon).
Frank served in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee from 1973 to 1977, stationed at Port Hueneme, California. Frank’s significant service included contributing to the construction of the airstrip still in use by the U.S. military today on the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. When he wasn’t building the airstrip he was learning Machine Repair and stripping asbestos from the ship. Frank was awarded: National Defense Service Medal, First Good Conduct Award and was M-16 Rifle Qualified (Marksman).
Frank married his high school sweetheart, Patricia “Dee” Snyder. Together, they raised three children: Amy Dee Hayes, Frank William Hayes IV and Sara Lynn Hayes. Sadly, that marriage ended. Frank found love again and married Susan “Sue” M. Phelan (Walls) on September 6, 2008.
Frank worked as a Machinist/Machine Repairman at General Motors for more than 30 years, serving at multiple plants in the Lansing area before retiring from the Grand Blanc facility.
Frank was preceded in death by his daughter Amy Dee Hayes (2001), his father Frank W. Hayes Jr. (2006), and his mother Phyllis Jean Hayes (2020).
Frank is survived by his loving wife Sue, and two amazing children: Frank William (Jennifer) Hayes IV, Sara Lynn Hayes. Five wonderful grandchildren: Carter Isaac Harlan Hayes, William Lawrence Hayes, Natalie Kathryn Hayes, Elise Renee Hayes and Lillian May Evans. Three siblings: Luanne (Gary) Cech, Jeanette (John) Hyden and Greg (Theresa) Hayes. Three beautiful nieces, four accomplished nephews, two great nieces, one great nephew, countless friends and extended family.
Frank loved his family. He enjoyed woodworking, cycling, camping, spending time with friends, sailing, boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, reading, running and watching TV.
A celebration of life will be held at Grace Community Christian Fellowship, 3707 Davison Road, Flint, MI 48506, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, with the celebration of life beginning at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Community Christian Fellowship (G.C.C.F.).
A committal service will follow the celebration of life ceremony at 2:30 pm. at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, MI 48442.
A luncheon will be held immediately following the committal service at Villagers Restaurant, 1121 North Saginaw Street #7, Holly, MI 48442.
