Joel Hayes, age71, of Douglasville, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, October 7th, 2020. He was born in Douglasville, Georgia on August 17th, 1949 son of the late Andrew Garmon Hayes and the late Addie Mae Tibbitts Hayes. Following graduation from McEachern High School, Joel joined the United States Army and served during the Vietnam Era. Joel worked as a lineman for Bellsouth/AT&T until his retirement. He was a member of Central Baptist Church where he served in various capacities, including Deacon, Sunday School teacher, greeter, teller, committee member, the Royal Ambassadors, the Live Nativity, and in the nursery.
Joel’s passion—aside from family and church—was the great outdoors. Joel was the Father of Georgia Cowboy Poetry and performed at various community functions as well as for our local schools. He raised and trained horses. He was a 4-H leader and served in the Horse Club and the Shotgun Club.
Joel is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sonja Wilson Hayes; daughters: Kala Hayes and Brittany Cornell, and her husband, Shawn; son: Oren Hayes and his wife, Melissa; grandchildren: Clay Tippens, Riley Acree, Kaylee Cornell, Lila Cornell, Kyle Hooten, Attie Hayes, Liam Hayes; sister: Qutee Hayes; brother: Spencer Hayes; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Joel was also preceded in death by his sisters: Betsy Hayes and Louise Tolbert; and his brother: Marion “Nubbin” Hayes.
In accordance with his wishes, Joel was cremated. Following a private graveside memorial service on a later date, Joel will be placed to rest in peace in Central Baptist Church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Cemetery Fund c/o Central Baptist Church 5811 Central Church Rd, Douglasville, GA 30135 or to the National 4-H Council Operating – RD, P.O. Box 745495, Atlanta, GA 30374-5491
You may share your thoughts and condolences online at
www.hightowersmemorial.com
Hightower’s Memorial Chapel of Douglasville has charge of the arrangements. 770-489-2818