Mr. Durward Allen Hayes

Durward Allen Hayes died at his home in Albany on July 14, 2016. Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Home, 1503 Dawson Road, Albany, will hold visitation Saturday August 13, 2016 at 10:00 AM. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:00 AM in the funeral home chapel with Reverend Pat Joffrion officiating. Durward was born in College Park, Ga on 5 December 1919. He was preceded in death by his only child, John Winn Hayes; his parents, John W. & Hester Hayes; three sisters, Irma Yancey, Atha Frazier, & Grace Renfroe; a nephew, Carlton Yancey and a niece, Martiele Yancey Dunn. Survivors include his wife, Ruth Cross Hayes; nieces and nephews to include Ann Renfroe; Lee J. Dunn; Reese W. Cross, Jr; Hope & Philip Almon; Betty Johns; Caye D. Brookshire; James & Magot DePaz; Wayne & Donna DePaz and numerous very precious great and great-great nieces and nephews. Worthy of note is the fact that he survived also by very dear and faithful long-time friends and helpers Gracie King and Curtis Russell who, over the years, have become an integral part of the Hayes’ family. Durward enlisted in the U.S. Navy, immediately subsequent to Pearl Harbor. He served for the entirety of WWII, ultimately achieving the rank of Gunner’s Mate Second Class. He spent the first half of the war in the Atlantic Theatre on the Battleship USS New York and the last half in the Pacific Theatre on the USS Talladega, an attack transport. During his time in the Navy, he participated in the invasion of North Africa, Iwo Jima (witnessing both flags raised) and Okinawa. He also participated in the Battle of Leyte and the liberation of the Philippines. Often when thanked for his service to his country he would respond that, “It was my honor.” When the war was over, he returned home to civilian life. Durward was employed by the Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany, and after many years there, retired as an Equipment Specialist (Automotive). He and his wife, Ruth, enjoyed a variety of pursuits to include gardening, fishing, football, RVing, and foreign travel. Perhaps most of all he enjoyed spending time at play with his Toy Fox Terrier, Cap. The family would like to thank Albany Community Hospice for the love and compassion shown to them. Most especially, thanks are extended to all hospice personnel including Angela as well as in-home caregivers Pamela Wigg, Jocelyn Moment, Latwana Washington, and Linda Cutts. Those desiring may make memorials to Albany Community Hospice, 320 Foundation lane Albany, Ga. 31707 or Freedom Church of Albany, 2200 Ledo Road, Albany, Ga. To share your thoughts with the family, you may visit our website at www.kimbrellstern.com

Mr. Durward Allen Hayes

December 5, 1919 - July 14, 2016