Hayes, Gerald Morrice
Gerald (“Gerry”) Morrice Hayes, 90, of the Lilly Dell Community of Dublin, VA, passed away Monday, October 26, 2026 at New River Valley Medical Center. He was born August 25, 1936 in Konnarock, VA, the son of the late Charles & Lula Lewis Hayes.
Jerry was an elder with the Seventh Day Adventist Church. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy where he served during the Korean Conflict. During his service, he was able to complete his education and receive training that would help him to succeed in his future career. He was a Master Electrician and traveled all over the state working in shipyards, tunnels, malls, at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant, throughout Northern Virginia and lastly at the Pentagon. He was a member of the IBEW Local Union since 1968. He also took classes at New River Community College to further his career.
His family claims he could fix anything. He was a member of the Moose Lodge.
He married the love of his life, Lillie Mae Goins Hayes, during their teenage years. They were married for nearly 72 years upon her death, just a few short weeks ago. They settled in the Lilly Dell Circle Community of Dublin where they raised their family. The children noted Jerry had a distinct whistle that could be heard all through the valley. They knew if Dad whistled, they needed to get home and fast.
Jerry’s was a life well lived. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Lee & Lula Mae Lewis Hayes, his beloved wife of nearly 72 years, Lillie Mae Goins Hayes, his daughter, Robin Akers, his daughter-in-law, Tammy Hayes, his siblings and their spouses, Marie & David Watson, Mildred & Allen Barker, Mabel & Grant Barker, James (“Tom”) & Minnie Hayes, Harry & Betty Hayes and CL Hayes and his in-laws, Victor & Glada Helton Goins, Victor (“Sonny”) Goins, David Goins, Johnny Goins and Louise & Levi Nelson.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Barbara Mae Hayes, his sons & daughters-in-law, Gerald Morrice, Jr. & Bonnie Hayes, Charles Robert Hayes and Jordan & Shalyn Akers; his son-in-law, Jackie Akers; his beloved grandchildren, Jackie (“Jay”), Jr. & Betty Akers, Adam & Tiffany Akers, Jennifer & Jon Akers, Matthew & April Hayes and Dylan Cressell ;his great-grandchildren, Taylor, Kaylie, Michael (“Mikey”), Terrence (“T”) and Nathan; his in-laws which were like siblings to him, Betty & Kenneth Carter, Richard & Mary Lou Goins, Doug & Jenny Goins, Sharon Wolfe, JoAnn Goins, Barbara Goins and Kim Goins; and several special nieces, nephews and special friends, too many to list.
Funeral services will be held Monday, November 2, 2026 at 1:30 P.M. at A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home Chapel, White Gate, with Pastor Andre Lavache officiating. Burial will follow in the Southwest Virginia Veteran’s Cemetery with military rites provided by the Regional Navy Funeral Honors and the Dublin American Legion Post# 58.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 P.M. until service time, 1:30 P.M.
The Hayes family is in the care of A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, (540) 921-2985.
