Robert A."Bobby" Hayes

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, on August 23, 1940, to Nell Monteith and Robert Vester Hayes, Bobby grew up delivering newspapers and playing sports in College Hills near Birmingham-Southern College. Growing up alongside a large extended family, his sisters Anita (Joe) Bratton and Peggy (Sam) Heide, and brother Jerry (Candy) Hayes, he played quarterback and third base for Ensley High School, where his coaches became lifelong mentors—and models for the mentor Bobby would later become.

Bobby is survived by his wife of 66 years, Judith Lance Hayes; his children, Dr. Robbie (Kim) Hayes, Connie (Jerry) Nolen, and Rick (Joni) Hayes. Bobby found the most joy in his role as grandfather or “Papa” to his nine grandchildren: Georgia (Aaron) Hux, PJ (Austin) Ford, Justin (Wesley) Nolen, Robert (Annie) Hayes, Tiffany (Zach) Harris, Kristen Hayes, Faith (Peyton) Strickland, Connor (AC) Hayes, and Will Hayes (fiancée Kaitlyn Fowler); and five great-grandchildren: Paul and Lily Hux, Ellie and Griffin Ford, and Rory Hayes. Bobby also maintained close relationships with his many nieces and nephews and their children.

After joining the Coast Guard, Bobby served near Long Island, New York, where he moved with his bride, Judith Lance Hayes, after their marriage in March of 1960. Following his military service, Bobby and Judy returned to Birmingham. He later received his associate degree from Jefferson State Community College.

Bobby joined the Birmingham Police Department as a young man. As a sergeant, he was instrumental in establishing the department’s first Tactical Operations Unit/SWAT Team, where he served as Field Commander. Prior to this assignment, Bobby collaborated with fellow officers to establish Police Athletic Teams throughout the Birmingham area. The PAT league offered young men the opportunity to compete in baseball while allowing the police department to build stronger relationships within the community.

Soon after his retirement from the BPD, friends asked Bobby to run for mayor. Committed to working alongside other athletic boosters to build facilities for Pelham High School, Bobby envisioned a stronger Pelham community. In 1984, Mayor Bobby Hayes began securing transformative opportunities for the City of Pelham.

Improvements to the city's water and wastewater systems led to Pelham’s Highway 119 business expansion, creating a popular I-65 exit for travelers. Mayor Hayes, alongside dedicated city employees, councils, and citizens, embarked on a 24-year commitment to increase revenue—bolstered by Oak Mountain Amphitheatre—and to build better facilities. These efforts resulted in expanded and improved parks, the Pelham Tennis Center, Pelham Civic Complex, Pelham Racquet Club, Pelham Senior Center, an expanded Pelham Public Library, and Ballantrae Golf Club. The University of Alabama Frozen Tide hockey team began playing home games at the Pelham Civic Complex in 2005. Gatherings at Pelham’s many facilities—including annual Christmas Tree Lightings and Pelham High School’s graduations at the Pelham Civic Complex—united the city and fostered deep community pride.

Increased revenue funded cutting-edge equipment and facilities for police, fire, and paramedics. Mayor Hayes displayed his devotion to area youth through his full support of schools’ theatre, arts, band, choral, athletics, and other programs including an annual Youth Government Day. A passionate supporter of Pelham High School students, he frequently spoke at pep rallies where the student body would chant “Bobby!” as he took the floor. He enjoyed playing golf, attending sporting events, and community activities.

His servant leadership evolved from his commitment to being a team player. Mayor Hayes collaborated with individuals of stellar character, intelligence, and tremendous work ethic to bring the best opportunities to the communities and people he loved. He served as both vice president and president of the Alabama League of Municipalities, ensuring critical training and certification for municipal employees and council members throughout the state.

In 2008, he retired after 24 years as Pelham’s mayor. He spent his final years enjoying time with his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends—including many kids he helped raise who became part of the family. He loved traveling with his wife, spending time at the beach, and cheering from the sidelines at Clemson and Pelham football games. Celebrating two Clemson football national championships alongside the Swinney family created treasured memories.

Bobby lived a life defined by public service and an unwavering commitment to his family, friends, and area youth. He believed deeply in the power of education and gratitude for those who love us. In his graduation remarks, Mayor Bobby Hayes reminded every graduating class: “Remember the ones that brought you this far, thank your parents, and know that your community is cheering for your success!”

Bobby Hayes will be remembered for his immense generosity, his devotion to family, and his warm embrace of everyone he loved. By realizing his vision for a stronger Pelham, he united a community—leaving a lasting legacy that lives on through all who loved him.

Pallbearers will be Justin Nolen, Robert Hayes, Connor Hayes, Will Hayes, Aaron Hux, Austin Ford, Peyton Strickland, and Zach Harris.

The community will gather to celebrate his life on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at First Baptist Church Pelham. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:15 p.m. and a graveside burial at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham.