Boyzie Lee Hayes

Boyzie spent his formative years in Taylor County, Perry, FL. Beginning his adult life, he enlisted in the United States Army and spent time serving as a Medic assistant in Med Co. 18th infantry while stationed in Aschaffenburg, Germany. After honorable discharge, he returned to Florida and resettled in Gainesville, FL, where he met and married Josie Mae (Williams). To this union, daughter Kathe was born.

Boyzie studied at Florida A&M University. While not overtly political, he did believe in civil rights. To that end, he participated in one of the many lunch counter sit-ins while in Tallahassee, Florida.

He obtained a license in barbering and began grooming family, friends, and strangers alike. Boyzie loved working in the medical field, so he simultaneously pursued his professional career with the Veterans Administration Hospital, working in the field of gastroenterology.

While at the Gainesville VA hospital, Boyzie made an impression on his friend and mentor, surgeon, Dr. Paul H. Jordan. When Dr. Michael DeBakey invited Dr. Jordan, to join the surgical staff at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Hospital in Houston, Dr. Jordan made a condition of his acceptance that Boyzie join him on staff in Houston. All agreed and Boyzie also accepted! The family moved to Houston and soon welcomed another daughter, Monica; the family’s first Texan. Boyzie would go on to work at the Veterans Administration Hospital for over 50 years; earning many accolades and recognition for his dedicated work as a Research Analyst.

In his leisure, Boyzie enjoyed many activities. He loved being on the water, so he bought a boat and enjoyed boating and fishing with family and friends as much as possible. He was a good swimmer and water skier. He played tennis, golf, softball, and participated in a bowling league team as well. He found a great love of music and taught himself piano and guitar. His guitar was a true love for him and allowed for creative expression. He was a member of two bands: Reel Music and the Jazz Medics, which booked many joyous events, including parties, weddings, dances, and bar mitzvahs.

Boyzie was preceded in death by his parents Boyd Hayes and Rebecca (Harrison) Hayes, sister, Mary Hayes Ivory, and brothers, The Hayes Boys: Jonah, Isaac, Sammie Lee, Paul, and Melvin Hayes. He is survived by his wife, Josie (Williams) Hayes; siblings, Lillie Lee Lightfoot, Miami, FL and Thelma Kineard, Miami, FL and children, Sandra (Hayes) Bolden, Miami, FL; Boyzie Hayes II, Norfolk, VA; Linda Bellamy (Sylvester), Perry, FL; Kathe Hayes Pace, Grand Prairie, TX; and Monica Washington (Johnny), Round Rock, TX; along with a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.  

A visitation will be held at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660, on March 15, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a funeral service at the same location on March 15, 2026, beginning at 12:00 pm.

Burial and Military Honors will take place at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 TX-195, Killeen, TX 76542, US, on March 18, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.