On the 25th day of June in the year 1932, the late Ernest and Bessie Laster Hayes would welcome a son, Ernest Wayne (Turk) Hayes, the only son of their five children. He would live a Godly life and joyously enter the gates of heaven on December 11, 2024. He was second born and had three younger sisters, the youngest being born the month before he entered the United States Air Force where he served four years, then remained in the Reserves for three more. As a young man he helped cut wood by holding one end of the saw with older sister Christine and worked in the fields picking cotton and numerous other crops that were grown, tended livestock, hauled hay, and anything else needed on the farm. He was a firm believer that hard work was not going to kill you and carried this motto well into his 80’s as he would still be seen by those passing by cleaning fence rows, raking leaves and mowing. He made a profession of faith in his 20’s and from that point on shared his love for the Lord. He was a deacon for over 60 years and loved sharing about Jesus and taking people to church, be it in his personal car, a church van, or old school bus which he drove for many years picking up families to carry to church and even drove many times taking kids to church camps. He also enjoyed serving as Sunday School Superintendent for many years. Not only did he believe in sharing the gospel, he also was often the first in line to donate blood. Even after he had turned 80 and doctors had told him he had well done his part, having given over 20 gallons of blood, the family later discovered a picture and story in the local newspaper showing he was still donating at age 83. He held many occupations in life, one being at the Kilgore Ceramic Factory which he said was the hottest place he had ever been, Bird Roofing working for the railroad hauling freight, and finally hiring on with Walmart picking up and delivering freight in the southern states, but always making it home on the weekends. Something always found in his shirt pocket was an ink pen, little yellow notepad containing phone numbers of everyone important, and a little New Testament in case he might run across someone to share about Jesus’ saving grace and as any true gentleman, a handkerchief in his pocket. After retirement he filled his time helping people in the community by repairing lawn mowers, generators and other small engines.

He married the love of his life Belvia Elaine Thomas Hayes when he came home from the United States Air Force, and they were married for 49 years and 4 months when she lost her battle with cancer. Also preceding him in death are granddaughter Lacey Wilson, sisters and brothers-in-law Christine and Buddy Hampton, Joyce and Chuck Miller and Sam Austin. They were blessed with three children, Thomas and wife Peggy Hayes of Elm Grove, LA, Angelia and husband Randy Wilson of Coushatta, LA and Teresa and husband Bennie Reeves of Keithville, LA.

Grandchildren Kristen and John Morris, Jared and Kristin Wilson, Jessica and Bubba Smith, Stephanie and Tyler Smith, and Steven Riser. Great grandchildren Jaydan and John Lee Morris, Eli, Luke and Jace Wilson, Ryder, Evan, Landon and Zoey Smith, and Tristan, Lainey and Cassidy Smith. Sisters Shirley Austin and Carol Hayes and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will begin at 12:30 P.M. on Friday, December 13, 2024, at First Baptist Church Coushatta, LA, followed by funeral service at 2:00 P.M. officiated by Dr. Philip Caples and Bro. Bubba Mills. Interment will follow at Holley Springs Cemetery, Martin, LA.

Pallbearers will be John Morris, Jared Wilson, Travis (Bubba) Smith, Tyler Smith, Steven Riser and Daniel Lincoln. Honorary pallbearers are Deacons of First Baptist Church of Coushatta.

The family would like to thank the loving workers and staff of The Heritage of Haynesville for their loyalty and dedication to caring for our loved one for the past three years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, The Gideons International or other Christian organization of choice.