Robert “Bob” W. Hayes, Jr., 71, died at his home in Pembroke Pines, Fla. On August 24.
Bob was born in Harlan, Kentucky on September 14, 1949. His family moved to the Soddy Daisy area in the early 1950s. Bob graduated from Soddy-Daisy High School and Edmondson Business School . He proudly served in the US Navy as a firefighter on an Atlantic Fleet nuclear submarine from 1968 to 1972 before being transferred to the US Naval Reserves to serve on the USS Jack stationed at Bainbridge , Maryland from 1972 to 1974. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.
After returning from service, Bob worked as a welder for Chattanooga Public Schools for several years. He then trained and worked as an aircraft and power plant mechanic at Dallas Bay Sky Park before moving to Miami, Florida to pursue his career in aviation. In Florida, he worked as an A&P mechanic, aviation claims adjuster and subsequently as a project manager overseeing several aircraft reconfigurations before his retirement.
Bob loved his family very much and will be sadly missed. He was predeceased by his father, Robert W. Hayes, Sr.
The surviving family members are her daughter, Melissa Hayes; mother, Lois Hayes; brothers, Alan Hayes (Debbie) and Mark Hayes (Billie Jean) and sister; Penney Hayes Smith (Elton); nephews, Blake Hayes (Brandi), Cody Hayes. nieces; Alicyne Smith Marley (Rhett) and Alisa Drew Smith; grandnephews and nieces, Dallas Marley, Ezra Hayes, Gavin Marley, Olivia Hayes and Madeline Marley.
Burial services with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 17 at Chattanooga National Cemetery with Reverend Amy Nutt as officiant.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donating to White Oak United Methodist Church 2232 Lyndon Ave, Chattanooga TN 37415 for the Kentucky Mission Fund.
Arrangements are made by Legacy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 8911 Dallas Hollow Road, Soddy Daisy, Tn. 37379, 423 843-2525. Please share your memories, stories and photos at www.legacyfuneralhome.com.
