Willie Dickens "Buddy" Hayes Jr.

Willie Dickens “Buddy” Hayes Jr. went on his heavenly journey on Sunday, July 21, 2013. He was born on August 22, 1938 in Shelbyville, Tenn. to Mary Helen and Willie Dickens Hayes. Buddy’s career path was initiated in 1955 by volunteering with the United States Air Force for a six year tour which included two years at Clark AFB Philippine Is. His duties involved maintaining ground control approach precision and search radar systems. He was honorably discharged in 1960 and preceded to the University of Tennessee where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1965. His employment with General Dynamics in Ft Worth, TX and Emerson Electric in St. Louis, MO lead to his 27 year career with the USAF as an Aerospace Engineer at Eglin AFB FL. He was principally involved with development programs that included Aerial Targets, AMRAAM and Air Combat Training Systems. He spent 5 years as an in-plant representative for the USAF AMRAAM program at the Hughes Aircraft plant facility in Tucson, AZ. After retiring from civil service in 1997, duty called else where. He spent 2 years with Cubic Defense Systems, San Diego, CA supporting proposal development and managing the installation of an Air Combat Training system at Nellis AFB, NV. Continued employment, as a consultant, with Metric Systems (IDT, DRS) was initiated during 1999 and concluded 10 years later. He will miss the association with his co workers, developed over his many years of employment. He was preceded in death by both parents and his younger sister, Phyllis Ann Hobbs. Buddy is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Beverly Hayes; daughter, Pamela Hayes West and husband, Philip, of Destin, FL.; son, Jason D. Hayes of FWB, FL.; son Michael L. Hayes and grandsons Christian and Austin of Mesa, Ariz.; and his sisters, Mary Jane Godwin and Billie Crowell, of Shelbyville, June Garrett and husband Bob, of Wilkesboro, North Carolina, and several devoted nieces and nephews, Janet and Robert, Glen and Karen, Jackie and Susie, Nancy and Marshall, David and Tammy, Kathie, Lynne and Mark, Ben and Brenda, Mark, Wally and his daughter Jilli, Joe Bret and Kayla, and Chad. Buddy was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. There will be a Memorial Service 6 p.m., Thursday, August 22, 2013, at Feldhaus Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Father Peter Whalen will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your preferred charity or The American Cancer Society.

Willie Dickens "Buddy" Hayes Jr.

August 22, 1938 - July 21, 2013