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Billy Gene Hayes, 88 years old, passed away peacefully at Chapel Woods Nursing Facility in Warren, Arkansas on Tuesday, July 16, 2019. He was born to James P. and Josie B. Hayes in Bradley County, Arkansas on May 14, 1931. He lived most of his life in Drew County, Arkansas. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Charlsie Prestridge Hayes; his brothers, Bennett, James and Bob; his sisters, Mildred DeArmond, Donie McNeese and Marie Leggett, and granddaughter, Jennifer Carpenter.
Billy loved the Lord. He became a believer in Christ at a young age and enjoyed serving him daily by singing or humming good, old, gospel hymns. He led the singing at both Calvary Baptist Church and Enon Baptist Church for many years. His mild manner and forever smile also served as a witness to the many lives he touched.
Billy's love for God and his family was the only thing that surpassed his love for Coca-Cola. He retired from the Monticello Coca-Cola Bottling Company after 40 years of service. He would say "smile, have a Coke and remember, I am fine".
He is survived by his three daughters; Billie Ann McMahon (George) of Tetonia, Idaho, Donna Hicks (Jim) of Lake Village, Arkansas and Katie West (Everette Dewey) of Monticello, Arkansas; and a brother-in-law, Robert Prestridge (Judi) of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas.
He is also survived by eight grandchildren; Anne Reeves, Amber Plunkett, Will McMahon, Kelly Derryberry, Kerry Hartness, Damian Hicks, Jerry West and Wayne West; sixteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral service will be 3:00 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with burial to follow in Enon Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time at the chapel. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Billy loved the Lord. He became a believer in Christ at a young age and enjoyed serving him daily by singing or humming good, old, gospel hymns. He led the singing at both Calvary Baptist Church and Enon Baptist Church for many years. His mild manner and forever smile also served as a witness to the many lives he touched.
Billy's love for God and his family was the only thing that surpassed his love for Coca-Cola. He retired from the Monticello Coca-Cola Bottling Company after 40 years of service. He would say "smile, have a Coke and remember, I am fine".
He is survived by his three daughters; Billie Ann McMahon (George) of Tetonia, Idaho, Donna Hicks (Jim) of Lake Village, Arkansas and Katie West (Everette Dewey) of Monticello, Arkansas; and a brother-in-law, Robert Prestridge (Judi) of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas.
He is also survived by eight grandchildren; Anne Reeves, Amber Plunkett, Will McMahon, Kelly Derryberry, Kerry Hartness, Damian Hicks, Jerry West and Wayne West; sixteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral service will be 3:00 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with burial to follow in Enon Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time at the chapel. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.