Lee E. Hayes unexpectedly departed this world, Monday, March 7, 2022. Born December 15, 1926 to Walter and Gladys Hayes, he grew up in Fayetteville Arkansas during the depression. From a young age, out of necessity, Lee worked, he had a paper route, most of his youth. He didn’t know they were poor. His mother, Gladys, saw to that. He became a Christian early on and loved to sing in the church choir. When World War II broke out, he wanted to join the Army Air Corp, as a pilot, but his mother wouldn’t let him drop out of school. He joined in June 1944, spending 27 months in the Air Corp. He was a company clerk at Hickam Field Hawaii, and credits learning to type with saving his life. Dad came home and attended the University of Arkansas on the GI Bill. He was the first of his family to graduate from college. It is during this time he met his future bride, Betty Jean Powell at an ice cream social at the Nazarene Church in Fayetteville. They married in November 1949, and moved to Beebe, Arkansas, where he worked for his father-in-law, R.V. Powell, at Powell and Company, from 1949 till he closed the store in 2000. Lee never met a stranger, and he was very good at telling jokes, many of which, we have heard innumerable times. He also had a good memory and never forgot a name. He loved his hometown of Beebe, and served its citizens in many ways. In his later years he worked at the Christian Outreach Center, 3 days a week, and endeared himself to all that got to know him. Lee and Betty had three children, Dr. Richard Lee Hayes, (Marilyn), John Powell Hayes, (Robin), Marian Hayes Wilson, (deceased). He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife, Betty Jean, and his parents, Walter and Gladys, siblings, Edwin, Lois, Jack, and Ada. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Beebe Christian Outreach Center, 110 E. Center St, Beebe, Arkansas 72012, would be appreciated. Or contribute to the Church of your choice and pray for our family. Visitation is Thursday, March 10th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Beebe. Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, at the Beebe First United Methodist. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Please visit www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook to view the registry.
