George Preston Hayes Jr.

George P. Hayes, Jr., departed this life on May 15, 2018 at the age of 84. He was born on February 5, 1934, the third of eight children, to the late George P. Hayes, Sr. and Flora Trent Hayes. While his father worked long hours to support his family, George often helped his mother care for his younger siblings. He graduated from Douglas High School in 1951. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 19 where he was given the name "Gabby". He served honorably from 1953 to 1956. After his discharge from the army, Gabby moved to New York and met the love of his life-Phyllis Adkins. The two married on July 4, 1959. Together they raised 3 children: Awamia R. Hayes, Kenneth P. Hayes, and Bonita E. Hayes. Gabby worked numerous jobs, including the U. S. Postal Service and as a New York City cab driver. He worked for the New York City Transit Authority as a New York City bus driver in Brooklyn, N.Y. until his retirement in 1988. The following year, Gabby and Phyllis moved to Charles City, VA where they built their home that would cater to his love of gardening, animals, hunting, and fishing. He continued in the field of transportation in Charles City serving as a school bus driver and a family car driver for a local funeral home. In 2005, Gabby joined the New Generation Church where he served as a trustee, choir member, and was ordained as a deacon in 2006. He was also a faithful and active member of the American Legion Post 61. Gabby was humble, mild mannered and giving and considered himself to be the greatest jokester until he said he met his match in his granddaughter, Austin. He was dedicated to his family and if he was a friend of yours, it was for life. Gabby was preceded in death by both of his parents, 5 siblings, his daughter Awamia, and his grandson Quentin Carter. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 58 years, Phyllis Hayes, daughter Bonita Hayes, son Kenneth Hayes, granddaughters Austin Carter, De'Rika Finger, Asia Fennell, J'Marion Fox, and Anya Hewitt, one great granddaughter, L'leauna Yopp; brother David Hayes (Veronica) of Maryland, sister Patricia Hayes of Virginia, Brother-in-law John Adkins (Violet), sister-in-law Francene Johnson (Herbert); special nephew John Adkins Jr., devoted friends Sheila Johnson and Louis "Sport" Johnson; several nieces (one devoted, Coretta Adkins) and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends. His faithful dog Kingston, was by his side until the end.

Tributes

George Preston Hayes Jr.

February 5, 1934 - May 15, 2018