Douglas Hayes

"Anchors Aweigh" Douglas Sager Hayes March 22, 1926 - December 21, 2013 On Saturday, December 21, 2013 another Naval warrior of World War II cast off his earthly form and embarked for his eternal reunion with his beloved wife Mickey who predeceased him on August 6, 2011. Doug was born in Schoolfield mill village on March 22, 1926 to the late Capers Preston and Hallie Myrtle Hopkins Hayes. After serving in the United States Navy during World War II, where he was injured in the Normandy Invasion, he returned home and graduated from Schoolfield High School where he participated in football and developed his love for singing under the tutelage of Schoolfield's legendary L. Hampton Benton. He was affiliated with a number of organizations which include the VFW, American Legion Post 1097, the Masonic Lodge, and the Shriners. He was an active member of Saint Luke's United Methodist Church. He was retired from the United States Postal Service. In addition to his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by three brothers, James P. Hayes, J. C. Hayes and Ralph Hayes; and an adopted great niece. Doug is mourned widely by kin and friend. Survivors include his brother Ray Hayes and his family Lori Hayes Lape and her husband Nicholas and their children Aaron, Benjamin and Rachel, Ray "Herby" Hayes, II and his wife Cindy and their children Joshua, Matthew and Jacob, Marcie Hayes Slayton and her husband Keith and children Hunter Gentry and Morgan Gentry; and sisters-in-law Carolyn Brown and Virginia Walker and Carolyn's children, who Doug and Mickey loved as their own, Beverly Early, Vickie Martin, Cindy M. Morris and Mike Morris and their families consisting of numerous great-nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews and great-great-great nephews; and a number of cousins. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, on Friday, December 27, 2013 at Saint Luke's United Methodist Church with the Reverend Dr. CAM McIntire and the Reverend Joseph Arthur (cousin of the family) officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Burial Park. Military Honors will be presented by the American Legion Dan River Post #1097 and the Virginia Army National Guard Honor Guard. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 26, 2013 at Townes Funeral Home from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Danville Cancer Association, 2323 Riverside Drive, Suite J, Danville, VA 24540, or to the Schoolfield Preservation Foundation, PO Box 2675, Danville, VA 24541.