James "Jim" Earl Hayes Sr.

James “Big Jim” Earl Hayes Sr., 74, of Roberta, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2022.  The family will have visitation In the Grand Hall of Sardis-Heard Funeral Home on Friday, December 2, 2022, from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM.  Following visitation, there will be a graveside service at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens at 3:00 PM, with John Wood officiating.

Big Jim was known for his love of family and his zeal for life and adventure.   He loved his family dearly and they were the most important thing in his life.  He was also a dedicated employee of Blue Bird Wanderlodge Company, where he retired after thirty years.  His love for adventure lead him to the infamous bicycle ride to Florida, the foothills hike in the Appalachian Mountains and sailing the Flint River and Intercoastal waterways to Panama City Beach and the open water of the Gulf of Mexico after earning his navigation and boating certification.  He organized family trips to the beach, many backyard events and escapades to share his love of life and adventure. All of which has been deeply instilled in his family for several generations.

Big Jim is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Diane Peavy Hayes; his three children, James “Little Jim” Earl Hayes Jr., (April), Christy Milam (Sandy Tillery), David Hayes (Chanda); his grandchildren, Alana Hayes, Hannah Milam, Bethany Hayes, Annalise Milam, Asher Hayes; his great-grandchild, Emery Fordham; his sister, Beverly Axton (Delmar); his many nieces and nephews; his brother-in-law, Ronald Peavy; his sister-in-law, Charesa Gandy; his sister-in-law, Billie Peavy; his many friends; and his precious furbaby, Gracie.  He is preceded in death by his parents, William E. Hayes and Doyce Hayes; his brother, Jerry Hayes; his mother-in-law whom he loved dearly, Carolyn Fordham; his grandson, Micah Hayes; his brother-in-law, Terry Peavy; and his niece, Hunter Peavy.

Please visit www.sardisheardfunerals.com to express your condolences.

Sardis-Heard Funeral Home, 6125 Houston Road, Macon, Georgia, 31216, has charge of the arrangements.