William Calvin Hayes, 96, of Jesup, Ga. passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The Wayne County native was a faithful member of Jesup First United Methodist Church and the Joy Sunday School Class, and a U.S. Army Veteran who continued to serve his country in the Army National Guard for many years. He was a 33- year management retiree with Rayonier and held the position of Wayne County’s first Administrator. He was a life-long member of the Jesup Elks Lodge and in his leisure time, he was all about family.

His wife of 72 years, Johnnie Eleanor Hodge Hayes, preceded him in death.

Survivors are his loving and faithful daughter, Debbie Hayes Stephens (Jimmy) Matuse of Blackshear, Ga.; granddaughters, Lauren Stephens and Rachel Stephens both of Brunswick, Ga.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 17, 2026 at Jesup First United Methodist Church with Pastor Rebecca Duke-Barton and Dink NeSmith officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Craig Davis, Keith Spell, Bobby Lamb, Ray Stephens, Hershel Daniel, and Paul Grieco. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the FUMC Joy Sunday School class.

Visitation will be an hour prior to services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jesup First United Methodist Church, 205 E. Cherry Street, Jesup, GA 31546.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.