Joel Hayes Douglasville, Georgia Obituary

Joel Hayes

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&amp;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 <a href="http://www.hightowersmemorial.com">www.hightowersmemorial.com </a>Hightower’s Memorial Chapel of Douglasville has charge of the arrangements. 770-489-2818
August 17, 1944 - October 7, 202008/17/194410/07/2020
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BOB THE BUILDER
February 16, 2023
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Marian
October 13, 2020
I always admired my uncle Joel. When I was a little girl I would spend my summer with granny. And she always took me on her daily rounds. I loved going to Joel's house. I loved how he would ask me questions and pick my brain all a while completely straight face. I never ... Continue Reading
A candle was posted for Joel Hayes.
A candle was posted for Joel Hayes.
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GwennD
October 11, 2020
I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you, Sonja, and with your family. _MrsGwenn Copeland-Davenport Lithia Springs, Georgia
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Gerry Wayne Barton
October 11, 2020
I met Joel when he started working for Southern Bell in Douglasville. I knew several "CHARACTERS" in the years I worked there, but Joel was special. The only way to describe him is to say Joel or BJ and if you ever met him, you know what I mean. Probably the only person ... Continue Reading
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Joel Miller
October 10, 2020
Joel and I worked together at Southern Bell and then later I had the opportunity to have Joel as a member of my Douglasville Line Crew. Joel was an excellent worker, a hoot to try and outwit, and a great Christian friend. As a supervisor I was proud to have him; as a f... Continue Reading
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Wayne Corley
October 10, 2020
Joel was at Cultural Arts Center one Saturday with the Cowboy Poets and the chuck wagon making Peach cobbler & reciting poems. I sat down with them & asked if they had anybody singing cowboy songs. He said “Do you sing?”. I said I play guitar & sing. Being the gentleman... Continue Reading
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Sharon and Johnny Perkna
October 10, 2020
Joel and Sonja were our first friends (we always referred to them as our OLDEST friends) at Central and we have wonderful memories of our time together. Joel made an impression on so many. One of his many talents was writing Cowboy poetry which he occasionally shared a... Continue Reading
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Ann Wilson
October 10, 2020
I loved listening to this man. I could listen to him for hours. And as a friend you could not ask for none better. One of the last great cowboy poets! He really had a way with words that would draw you right in and keep you hooked. Just the tone and melody of his voice w... Continue Reading
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Carole Driskell
October 9, 2020
Have many good memories of meeting Joel through my husband who worked with him and then sitting with he and the rest of our group at the Douglas Poets in Focus reciting and reading our poems. Joel had a fantastic recall and always held our attention with his colorful wo... Continue Reading
Amber Moses
October 9, 2020
I’m sorry to hear of Joel’s passing. He was an awesome man & I will never forget him sharing his cowboy stories at the school. Love & prayers for y’all.