Charlie Lewis Hayes

Charlie Lewis Hayes passed from this life on Sunday, December 18, 2022, in Visalia. Charlie had just celebrated his 57th birthday the previous Tuesday, December 13. Charlie had been successfully managing metastatic prostate cancer for several years but passed away peacefully from respiratory failure.

Charlie was the son of Claude Edward Hayes and Myrtle Pauline (Morris) Hayes, both deceased and born in Arkansas. Charlie grew up in Pixley, CA attending school there and starting a career in various areas of the dairy and agricultural industries as a young man. He was also an accomplished welder having completed multiple independent projects in California and across the USA.

Charlie had been married to Marilyn Van Dyk and Christina Walker. He enjoyed being the father to his two daughters, Karen and Kimberly Hayes, son Charlie Hayes II and two stepsons David and Christopher Ensminger. Charlie’s 10 grandchildren were the light in his eyes having 3 grandsons: Colton Michael Hansen (17), Breyton Bo Brazell (12), Bensen Keith Hayes (3m); 4 granddaughters: Amabelle Brittlie Hayes (14), Paislee BellaRose Brazell (12), Charlee Rain Marie Hayes (5), Myla Olivia Hayes (5); 2 step-grandsons: Larry Lee-Allen (1) and Kaysen Luis (2m) Ensminger; and a step-granddaughter: Aria Evelynn Ensminger (6). He loved to make time for the grandkids and with his naturally jolly nature was always able to cheer their hearts. Charlie also had a very significant impact on the young lives of his nieces and nephews while living in California.

Having been recently baptized, Charlie was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Pixley, CA. He had been associated with Narcotics Anonymous for over 22 years being an effective sponsor as well as a compassionate mentor and kind soul to many people in need. In general, Charlie was a kind and considerate man being willing to help any friend, family or stranger when asked or when he was able. Charlie was very family oriented. Spending time visiting or talking with his children, grandchildren, sisters, and nieces/nephews was always a priority for his time. Charlie enjoyed fishing, watching wildlife, and playing dice, darts, pool and poker with friends and family. Anyone that knew Charlie knew he was a very passionate Dallas Cowboys fan. Virtually nothing was allowed to interfere with him getting very excited when the Cowboys played. The playful competition with his son as a Pittsburgh Steelers fan held a special place in his heart. In his younger years, he was a little league baseball coach and was very active with playing softball in the Tulare County area.

Charlie is predeceased by brothers Lonnie Dennis and Doyle Hayes. He is survived by sisters Shirley Pellow of Visalia, Ella Lou Cindy Ballard of Duncan, OK, Pauline Nunes of Pixley, CA and Caroline Hayes of Louisiana along with 5 nieces, 13 nephews, 56 grandnieces/nephews, and 28 great grandnieces/nephews.

Viewing services will be available on Saturday, January 7, 2023, from 10 AM – 2 PM at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue, Visalia. A potluck memorial service will follow for friends and family from 2 PM – 6 PM at the Oak Tree Estates clubhouse located at 2700 W. Midvalley Avenue in Visalia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pine Recovery c/o Central Valley Recovery Services, 320 W. Oak St., Visalia, CA 93291. 559-625-2995.