Services to honor and celebrate the life of Rev. William Wilson Hayes, 97, of Wilmer, will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 12:00 Noon at Faith Temple. Rev. Lloyd Lane, Rev. Bruce Johnson, Rev.Michael Johnson, Rev.Caleb Johnson,Rev. Rusty Johnson and Rev. John Dyess will be officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service in Pierce Creek Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the church on Monday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Bro. Hayes gained his eternal reward, meeting his Lord and Savior face to face, on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Preceding Bro. Hayes in death were his beloved wife of 55 years, Eunice Marie Hayes; his daughter, Pamela Cookston; his grandson, Tony Hayes; his son-in-law, Douglas Elliot; and numerous siblings.
Those left to cherish the memory of Bro. Hayes includes his children, Robin Elliott,Eric Hayes (Jenny),Dwain Hayes and Christina Johnson (Rev. Bruce); 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Bro. Hayes was born in St.Stevens, Alabama to the late Lawrence and Rachael Hayes on May 9, 1929. He was a loving son and brother and grew up in a very large family. Bro. Hayes gave of his time in service to his country, serving in the United States Army, along with working diligently through the years as a “jack-of-all-trades”.
Many of Bro. Hayes' talents included his ability to weld, setting up beds for engines in shipyards, pipe fitting, logging, and driving “big” trucks to include semis and dump trucks. He was excellent with his hands and had a knack for being able to fix anything laid in front of him.
The most important talent he had in his lifetime was his service to his Savior.
Being saved in 1962, Bro. Hayes answered his call to preach in 1963. He dedicated and patterned his life as a true Man of God, pastoring, evangelizing and singing all over the United States.
Bro. Hayes and his adored wife, Eunice, shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with souls immeasurable. Whether it be camp meetings they attended, revivals they took part in, or just simply being in services together, they both had one goal in life and that was to be a witness for Christ.
Bro. Hayes loved nothing more than to gain endless biblical knowledge and would read his Bible for hours on end each day. He was an easy-going man, who loved with all his heart and was full of wisdom. To know him was a blessing and to love him was a gift. He will be greatly missed by many but forever remembered for the life he led.
