Jerry Douglas Hayes

Jerry Douglas Hayes, age 79, of Friendsville, TN, departed this world for his heavenly home on Palm Sunday, March 24th, 2024. Jerry was born at home, on the cold day of January 14th, 1945, to John Daniel and Nellie Viola Hayes. The youngest of six children, he barely survived infancy due to a case of whooping cough which left his lungs altered for life. Jerry spent most of his childhood on his family's small Friendsville farm where he learned to raise crops and beef cattle. After his childhood home burned, he never forgot the kindness of neighbors and friends. One day, to avoid chores, Jerry accepted the invitation of a neighbor to attend Vacation Bible School at Friendsville First Baptist Church; It was there he realized he was a sinner and accepted Jesus as his Savior. He would tell you it was the best decision of his life. Jerry attended Friendsville Elementary School and then Friendsville High School where he played football and made the all-county team. It was on the football bus where he first noticed a pretty, young lady who, a few years later, became his wife. Marrying Wanda Lynn Pierce, on May 26th,1967, was the second most important decision of his life. Together, they built a home on the land where he first kissed his sweetheart, given to him by his mother-in-law, and only a short tractor ride from his childhood home. There they raised three children and welcomed nine grandchildren. Mr. Hayes' life was one of quiet service. After attending Hiwassee college for a short time, he enlisted in the Tennessee Air National Guard 134th Refueling Wing where he served his country for six years attaining the rank of staff sergeant. Following employment at Travis Meat Company, he prayed for dependable employment closer to home. God answered his pray with a job at The Aluminum Company of America where he worked in various positions from painting to smelting to certified industrial mechanical craft specialist through Tennessee Operations. Jerry faithfully served at Alcoa for forty years until his retirement. After retirement, he served his community through Meals-on-Wheels and various ministries. As a sixty-five-year member of Friendsville First Baptist Church, Jerry served as a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, bus ministry director, choir member, and deacon of forty-six years. He loved and served his wife, of almost fifty-seven years, and his children and grandchildren. He made family time an utmost priority. He coached peewee football, little league baseball, and soccer. As a dedicated dad and papaw, he rarely missed a game, performance, birthday, or special event. He gave the best bear hugs, gentle pats on the back, and wise advice. Most importantly, he was there to witness all three of his children and all nine of his grandchildren make professions of faith and be baptized. He would say this was his legacy and his greatest life's work. People describe Jerry Hayes as a quiet soul-winner, humble prayer warrior, gentle encourager, good neighbor, loyal friend, faithful husband, and loving father and grandfather. Jerry was humble and contented. He knew God had blessed him and he didn't need more. His family surrounded him as he left to meet Jesus. Through tears, they wished him well and cheered him on knowing he would be greeted by a faithful cloud of witnesses and the one who mattered most in his life, Jesus. Mr. Hayes was preceded in death by his parents John D. and Nellie V. (Walker) Hayes; brothers and sister-in-law, Jay Sutherland (Evelyn), Archie D. Hayes; sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy Sutherland Wilson (Bob), Stella Ann Hayes Fell Edwards (Ray); mother-in-law Helen Juanita Magness Pierce. He is survived by his wife Wanda Pierce Hayes; his children Melanie Hayes Hoffman (Mark), Lorrie Hayes Long (Bryan), Douglas Hayes (DeAnn); his grandchildren Hannah Hayes, Hope Hayes, Morgan Hoffman, Haven Hayes, Haysen Hayes, Meredith Hoffman, Leighton Long, Holden Hayes, and Hosanna Hayes; brother and sister-in-law Bill and Caroline Hayes of Powell, TN and numerous nephews and nieces. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 28th, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Friendsville First Baptist Church, 403 N. Farnum Street Friendsville, TN with funeral to follow immediately afterward. Interment will be held Friday, March 29th, 11:00 AM, at Clark's Grove Cemetery, 3217 Williams Mill Rd., Maryville, TN. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the mission ministries of Friendsville First Baptist Church, Everett Hills Baptist Church, and Operation Christmas Child. Condolences may be shared through Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com