Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Jerry Edward Hayes, went to his eternal home on October 24, 2024, surrounded by his family and the memories of a life well-lived. Jerry's warmth, humor, and joy for life touched all who knew him. Jerry was born on August 12, 1942, to Elijah and Mamie Hayes in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Jerry was preceded in death by his siblings O'Dell Sullivan, Kenneth Hayes, and Gladys Wall. Jerry is survived by his wife of 62 years Elzie C Hayes, sister Lucy Cargo, brothers Clifford and Neil Hayes, four children Dewayne (Mona) Hayes, Les (Angela) Hayes, Tony (Kimberly) Hayes, and Cheryl (David) Whitfield, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
An avid sports enthusiast, Jerry rarely missed a game cheering on his Houston Astros, LSU Tigers, and Dallas Cowboys. He loved playing golf, fishing on sunny afternoons, and feeling the thrill of his bass boat cutting across the water. A master griller, Jerry brought his family together over countless meals, with hot links and apple fritters always nearby. He loved games - he was quick to challenge family and friends to a round of dominoes or canasta, especially with his grandkids. Jerry was well-known in the community for owning and operating new and used car dealerships for decades, building lasting relationships with customers and friends alike.
Jerry had an unmatched gift for making people laugh, delighting in playful teasing with those he loved—and even the occasional telemarketer. With his knack for storytelling and warm, outgoing nature, Jerry made friends everywhere he went. He especially loved traveling with family in his trusty old Winnebago, though he was just as content at home, tending to his cherished garden. Always ready for a good time, Jerry brought joy and laughter wherever life took him.
Jerry’s kindness, humor, and love for his family will be remembered with a smile. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth and laughter that will live on in those who had the blessing to know him.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to grand-daughter Kelsey Darsi, LifePath Hospice workers: Alison Watson, Eileen Lewis, Jennifer Hardey, Kaitlyn Exline, Sheryl Jeter, Tara Turner, Jane Freudenberger, and also nurses at Willis Knighton North and Willis Knighton South.
A visitation for Jerry will be held Monday, October 28, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108. Following the visitation A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM.A Graveside Celebration will occur at 3:00 PM at Forest Park West, 4000 Meriwether Rd, Shreveport, LA.
Serving as pallbearers are Drew Hayes, Hunter Hayes, Ethan Hayes, Devlin Hayes, Joshua Jones and Vasu Darsi.
Contributions in Jerry's memory may be made to American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/dignitymemorial; and St. Jude, https://childrenscancer.org/impact/.
