Newell C Hayes

He was born in Gadsden County, Florida on April 25, 1929 to Foriece Wilborn Hayes and Eulah Alderman Hayes. He was the 12th of 13 children.

He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Judith E. Fargo Hayes, four daughters; Katherine D. Pope (Randy), Stephanie G. Nope (Ray), Sheree C. Wells (Jeff), Joyce L Fort (Sam) and three sons; Ronald C. Hayes (Linda), Gary L. Hayes (Jane), Eric N. Hayes (Debbie) as well as two stepsons; Adam T. Melquist (Mariah) and Tyler M. Melquist (Victoria); Forty grandchildren; seventy-five great-grandchildren as well as a number of cherished nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 50 years, Betty Joyce Hancock, as well as one granddaughter, Amy Elizabeth Fort and one great-granddaughter, Stephanie Elizabeth Nope, and all of his siblings, Garrard L. Rudd, Gladys R. Rudd Gories, Edward R.E. Rudd, Erma L. Rudd Goza, George A. Rudd, Wilford Michael Rudd, Eugene V. Rudd, Wilborn R. Hayes, E. Howard Hayes, Earl M. Hayes, Daphna F. Hayes Curtis and Doris J. Hayes Bethers .

He retired from the United States Navy as a Chief Electronics Technician serving his country for 20 years. He then worked for Raytheon before putting his skill and love of kicking tires to work by owning and operating B&N Auto with his wife, Betty, in North Charleston, South Carolina. In 1985, Betty and he moved to Atlanta Georgia to serve in the newly constructed Atlanta Temple, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They did so faithfully for just over 20 years leaving to serve a Church mission in California. It was there that Betty died and Newell returned to Georgia and married Betty’s best friend Judy. Judy has lovingly blessed all of Newell’s family with her selfless loving care and service as well as homemade delightful baby blankets for the great-grandchildren.

Newell never met a stranger. He always shared his love of the Gospel, his home, and his food with many. He played matchmaker and soul saver to those he could. He loved and cared for the widows and lonely until he could no longer function himself.

He loved sharing his deep insights and inspirations with all he could corner, though a few children and grandchildren learned early how to dodge and hide to avoid ‘the talk’. He loved God first, his family second, his fellow man third and a good meal with a jellied biscuit in one hand and a pepper in the other.

His baby blue eyes could pierce you, while his goofy grin made you giggle. He wasn’t much for pomp, ruffles, mushy words or show, but his actions bespoke true charity.

Newell, Dad, G-pa, Uncle Callan… You will be sorely missed and forever loved and appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in his name to the Dementia Society of America

or to the charity of your choice.