Joe grew up in a military family. As a result, he lived in many places such as Japan, Arizona, California, and North Carolina. Although he would like to claim North Carolina as “home”, he eventually moved back to Nashville. He received his education at Hickman Elementary School, Donelson Middle School, and Hillwood High School. As a child, Joe loved having his dad take him to the YMCA where he would spend the day swimming and playing with his friends. He was part of the Nashville Youth Soccer Association, the Donelson Little League, and the Cub Scouts. Joe enjoyed spending time with his dad and had many adventures with him. He recounted and reminisced of those experiences throughout his adult life.
As a young man, Joe created many lifelong friendships, which became his rock and foundation. These friendships helped him through many different stages of his life. They meant the world to him and he never forgot about the people who took him in, accepted him, and loved him for who he was.
Joe was a great person, a hard worker, fun to be around, lighthearted, and goofy. You would be hard pressed to find Joe without a smile on his face. He was talkative, funny, and never met a stranger. Joe enjoyed networking and bringing people together. His favorite pastime was helping others and he never hesitated to sacrifice his time or rest to do whatever was needed.
Joe never forgot a single detail. Often when something reminded him of a memory of someone, he would call them out of the blue to let them know he was thinking of them. He brought many people together through his care and thoughtfulness. He loved many genres of music, playing soccer, and watching sports. He especially enjoyed watching the Carolina Panthers, Florida State and University of Tennessee play. Joe had a passion for grilling and smoking meat, brisket being his signature dish. He could always be found with his Coke, sweet tea, Dr. Pepper, Gummy Bears, or his sunflower seeds.
Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Denise Hayes; and grandmother, Brownie L. Roan. He is survived by his father, Jeffery Lyndon Hayes (Mary Elizabeth); sister, Chelsea Bonfante; stepbrother, Blake Roan; fiancé, Savanna Brown; stepdaughter, Karena Griffith; uncles Kendall Hayes, Larry Hayes, Terrell Hayes, and Don Roan; aunts Sabrina Roan, Debra Roan, Takato Hayes, and Susan Mortan; special second cousin, Linda Chapman; cousins Alex and Kelsey Hayes, Cathy Culver, JoAnn Atkinson, Jean Marie Manier, Donna Smith, Tim and Jan Hayes, Kandis Roan, and Kiana Roan; great uncle and aunt, Grandy and Wilma Hayes; and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members.
There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends at Hermitage Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 28, from 3pm – 8pm, and on Wednesday, May 29, from 11am – 1pm. There will be a Celebration of Joe’s Life on Wednesday at 1pm in the Tulip Grove Chapel at the funeral home. Following the service, Joe will be laid to rest in the Garden of Memories at Hermitage Memorial Gardens. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Hayes family at www.HermitageFH.com.
