Mike Hayes
Mike Hayes, age 63, of Samburg passed away Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union City.
Funeral services were 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at Second Baptist Church, with Bro. Chip Davis and Bro. Justin Hiens officiating. Burial followed in Antioch Cemetery near Hornbeak.
Pallbearers were Scott Gilliam, Russ, Ryan and Ron Dyer, Wib Evans, Scotty Hayes, Billy Blakley, Bruce Moss and David Hayes.
Visitation was Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, at the church from 4-7 p.m. and again before the service Tuesday beginning at 11:30 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m.
White-Ranson Funeral Home was in charge of services.
Mr. Hayes was born in Memphis, on Aug. 10, 1960, to the late Marvin and Virginia Dare Hayes.
He grew up on the waters of Reelfoot Lake, where he fell in love with the outdoors and dedicated much of his life to not only the preservation of the lake but also the rich history and culture that makes Reelfoot Lake and its locals special. Five generations of the Hayes family have lived and worked on Reelfoot Lake and Mike was no exception, tirelessly promoting not only Blue Bank Resort and the Fishhouse Restaurant but Reelfoot Lake and the surrounding area as he always believed this was the most beautiful place on earth. He was a founding member of the Reelfoot Lake Tourism Council and an Obion County Commissioner for many years. Mike was also appointed to the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Commission by then-Governor Phil Bredesen where he used that passion for the outdoors to help promote and preserve the amazing treasure trove of wildlife and outdoor resources that Tennessee has to offer.
The only thing he loved more than the outdoors was his family. Family meant everything to Mike. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Hayes; his sons, Michael Hayes, Wil Marvin Hayes and Drew (Sara Beth) Hayes; his sisters, Jan (Randy) Dyer and Jill (Tony) White; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Marvin Hayes Jr.
Condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home website: www.white-ranson.com.
Published in The Messenger/9.6.23