Edward Cornelius Hayes Sr.

EDWARD CORNELIOUS HAYES, SR., the son of the late Evelyn A. Hayes Hackett and Cornelius Walker, was born on November 16, 1933, in Baltimore, Maryland. He joined his Heavenly Father on October 4, 2012, after a brief illness. He was known as “Sonny” by close family and friends and Ed by most who knew him. Ed attended the Baltimore public schools. He enlisted in the Air Force and served during the Korean War. After the Air Force, Ed worked for the U.S. Postal Service while attending Morgan State College, graduating with a degree in business administration. He later received a Master’s degree from the University of Detroit. After obtaining his B.A. degree, Ed went to work for the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan as a personnel administrator. He worked for over 23 years before retiring as the senior recruiter for Ford’s Sales Division. Ed returned to Baltimore where he worked with two Ford dealerships, Inner Harbor Ford and Bob Davison Ford. Always ambitious and active, Ed decided to try his hand at real estate. He became an agent and associate broker for Century 21 and Long & Foster and continued until his health began to fail. Ed was a goal setter. He was able to achieve many of his goals through determination and dedication. Ed mastered the martial art of Kempo karate and earned the 3rd degree brown belt after the age of 60. He joined the Prince Hall Masons and earned the distinctive position of Worshipful Master of his lodge (King David Lodge #18). Later he obtained the 33rd degree (Grand Inspector General). His love of music led him to the piano, organ, saxophone, flute and guitar all of which he played. He also loved to sing. His concern for the treatment of veterans earned him an appointment by Governor O’Malley as Commissioner of Veterans Affairs for the State of Maryland. He was also associated with NAMVETS (National Association of Black Veterans). Ed received numerous awards; among them, an honor by the Korean Government at the Kennedy Center in 2010 and the James Workman Award for Service from the NAMVETS in 2011. Ed loved to look good. His clothes and shoes were always immaculate. But, he was a proud and humble man who demonstrated his faith and love of God throughout his life. Before moving to Detroit, he attended Grace Presbyterian Church. While in Detroit, he was a loyal member of Tabernacle Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. Fred G. Sampson who mentored him. After returning to Baltimore, Ed joined Union Baptist Church in 1988. In addition to singing on the Sanctuary and Senior Choirs, he served as an usher, was a member of the Men’s League, Pastor’s Partners, and the Dime Circle. Ed was ordained a deacon in October, 2008. Ed started each morning by reading his Bible. He will be greatly missed by: his devoted wife, Jean; four loving children, Patricia Crittenden, Edward Hayes Jr., Linda Hayes-Koyton, and Perry Hayes; one son-in-law, Bernard Crittenden; one daughter-in-law, Barbara Hayes; seven grandchildren, Monia Davis, Antoine Hayes, Jamiella Hayes, Ashley Koyton, Eric Wheeler, Toyia White and Tasia White; ten great-grandchildren, Dmarkius, Dnaeshius, Dmarius, Alexandria, Antonio, Ahmir, Jamond, Jamiella, Shatira and Erin; one brother, Vernon Hackett Jr.; one sister, Patricia Taylor; one niece, Capri Taylor; several cousins, other relatives and friends including special friends, Rick and Cookie, Jeff and Wil.

Tributes

Edward Cornelius Hayes Sr.

November 16, 1933 - October 4, 2012