Antonio T. Hayes, Sr., affectionately called “Bud” by family and friends, was born on July 17, 1971, in Clearwater, Florida to Joan B and Rudolph H.

Antonio attended Tarpon Springs High School and was employed with the City of Tarpon Springs for over 15 years, Aloha Utilities of Pasco County for two years and assisted as a bakery manager at Publix for 13 years.

Antonio was a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. As a child, he was a Boy Scout and played little league football. He was a lifetime fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and loved to listen to his Gospel music. As a young adult, he grew a passion for drag racing and would spend a lot of time at the track, bringing all the kids with him to watch. He was a “Team Dad” chaperone for all the kid’s youth activities, field trips and family vacations growing up.

He ventured out to become an entrepreneur and developed a legacy in the bail bonds industry. He also started several other businesses that included, affordable up lighting, commercial cleaning business and trucking business.

When he became a grandfather, he enjoyed family gatherings, trips to Bush Gardens, out of town vacations and spending time with the grandkids at home. He had a passion for baking and loved making his famous banana pudding and his town’s best Cuban sandwiches. He became a member of the local Jeep crews and would enjoy mudding and decorating the Jeep for the holiday parade.

As a husband, Bud and Kim started out on Lake Street to Morgan Street and Gross Avenue in Tarpon Springs. We have been rocking since 2nd and 3rd grade. Going to school at Ozona Elementary, he would follow me down the halls and I would say, “I don’t like your fat light skinned self” and Bud would say, “I don’t like your tall skinny self”. We would get pulled into the principal’s office daily. The principal would say, “You two need to stop because one day you two are going to be together”. We would just laugh and go back to class. Fast forward, the principal was right because we never left each other’s side. Over the years, we continued to date, started a family, and became lifetime partners. Wherever you saw me, you saw Bud.

Antonio T. Hayes, Sr. departed this earthly life for eternal rest with the Lord on August 6, 2022, Advent Health North Pinellas, Tarpon Springs, Florida.

He is predeceased by his grandmother, Ernestine Crawford, grandfather, Deighton Crawford, grandmother, Annie Willis, mother-in-law, Delinda Ray, aunt, Adriana Carter, uncle, Anthony Troddy, sister, Terra Winthrop, cousin, Alexander Campbell, Jr. and great friend, Daniel Nicoletti.

Cherished memories will be treasured by…

His wife of 10 years plus lifetime partner: Kimberly P. Hayes

Sons: Antonio Hayes, Jr. and Payton Ray

Daughters: Patrice Ray, Brittany Gernier (Hayes), Jasmine Young (Hayes), Tierra Hayes and Pavielle Hayes

Mother: Joan B

Father: Rudolph H

Brothers: Herman W, Nick R, Rudoph H, Jr., Shannon W, Erick P and Javoro T

Sisters: Antionette T, Syreta M, Epiphany R, Monica G, Holly B and Maureen R

Grandchildren: Tania, Braylene, Rashard, Peyton, Josiah, Payton, Jr., Annastashia, Zadarian, Major, Josiah, Jaya, Paisley, Skyler, Jaliyah, Aiden, Khayir and Devin

Bonus son and daughters: Nadine F, Tyrek W (nephew), Natasha J and ShaˊNiya

Godmother: Vyrtice A.

Father Figure: Pete B

Goddaughter: AˊRiyanna B

God sister: Monique S

Aunts and Uncles: Annie Dorris D, Diana D (Charles D), Jackie W (Artchie) Deighton C, Rubyjean M, Affelda B, Regina P (Anton) and Traci J

Nieces, Kenya, Ronisha, Keisha, DeˊShara, Kemyah, Yoanna and Ciara

Nephews: Donnel, Roderick, Antwan, Tyrese, Damoni, Chaderik

Great nieces and nephews: Khlani, Adain, Arayiana, Italy, Braylen, Keon, ArˊLeyah, Omari, Messiah

Favorite cousins: Regina B, Zarina P and Iris Partlow

Devoted associates: Charles D (uncle), Maureen R (sister-in-law), Nicholas R (brother-in-law), Trent C (associate), Willie W (cousin), Cjay H (brother-in-law) and Deighton C (uncle)

A host of other nieces and nephews.

Public Viewing: Friday, August 19, 2022, 6 PM - 8 PM at Macedonia MBC 450 E. Oakwood St. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Celebration of Life: Saturday, August 20, 2022, 12:00 Noon at First United Methodist Church 501 E. Tarpon Avenue Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Entrusted Care to Smith-Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services - 727-442-2388.