Bro. Preston "PeeWee" Hayes

Spurgeon Preston “PeeWee” Hayes 76, Retired Sergeant of the U. S. Army. From Middleburg, Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 24, 2023. He was the son of Spurgeon R. Hayes and Lois M. Hayes. Born on November 5, 1946, in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Joined the U.S. Army on April 1, 1966. Married his beloved wife Pat Hayes, on June 5, 1966. Following retirement from the Army, he was a preacher and pastor for over 40 years. One of his favorite things was to tell anyone, one of his many, many stories. He will be remembered as a patriot and fine soldier, his love of God, family, and a true friend. His military career included three combat tours in Vietnam. He was a highly decorated soldier. He was preceeded in death by his parents and brother Cleveland Hayes. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pat Hayes; brother Melvin Hayes; son Tyler Hayes (Cherie Hayes); daughter Michelle Pensa (Robert Pensa); grandchildren Brent Hayes, Hannah Hayes, Rachel Pearson (Nathan Pearson), Michael Pensa (Kristin Pensa), Leah Pensa; 3 great grandchildren Oliver Pensa, Charlotte Pensa, Isaac Pensa. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday, September 1, 2023 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at Grace Missionary Baptist Church with Brother Leon Carson and Brother David Nix officiating. Burial will follow at Penney Farms Cemetery with military honors.