Mr. Robert Durant Hayes Jr., was born January 28th, 1960, transitioned on August 20th, 2024 while surrounded by loved ones. He was born to Robert D. Hayes, Sr. and his mother Clarine Dorothy “Dot” Hayes (who preceded him in death).
In his adolescence, Robert Durant Hayes Jr. was known by his family as “Dooney”. This name was given to him by his older sister, Teresa, who at the time couldn’t pronounce his name. He grew up with a deep faith in God, which guided and sustained him throughout his life. Robert attended Kirkman Park Elementary, Jamestown Middle, and T. Wingate Andrews High School where he developed his love/passion for football. His dominance on the field earned him the name “Crush” because he “crushed everything in sight as a defense lineman. After high school, Robert went on to play football in college at Mt. San Jacinto and Johnson C. Smith. He loved to tell the story to his children and grandkids about how dominant of a football player he was and often bragged about his 3 NFL workouts; however, the family could never get him to prove/confirm the validity of that story.
At the tender age of 22, Robert met the love of his life and best friend Vivian Hayes, his wife of 41 years. Together they had three children Robert “CJ” Durant Hayes III, William Quintin Hayes (Candace), and Ebony Gail Hayes all residing in High Point, N.C.
Robert worked for several years at Valspar as a chemical mixer, demonstrating his versatility and dedication in various fields. In the late 80s, he started Hayes Construction and became a General Contractor, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic. His dedication to community service was evident in his roles as co-owner of Right Track; a program helping juvenile offenders, a member of ASK( acquiring scholarships for kids), which was an organization supporting inner-city athletes, and Peace Makers; a local faith-based group, working tirelessly to advance his community and increase African American representation in local government.
Robert was a devoted husband and a proud family man who found immense joy in coaching his two sons on the football field. Alongside his wife, who coached their daughter in cheerleading for the Cedrow Redskins in little league, he cherished every moment spent with his family. He embraced his role as a granddaddy with great seriousness and love, whether it was taking his grandsons to watch trains for hours, letting his granddaughters practice braiding his hair, or spending countless hours in the backyard building swing sets and play structures for them to enjoy. His dedication and love for his family were evident in every action, making him a cherished and unforgettable figure in their lives.
Robert leaves behind to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Vivian Hayes; his three children: Robert D. Hayes III., William Q. Hayes (married to Candace), and Ebony G. Hayes; and seven grandchildren: Camille Hayes, Quintin Hayes, Chloe Hayes, K'Dynce Hayes, Camryn Hayes, Kailan Hayes, and William Hayes, all of High Point, NC. He is also survived by his father, Mr. Robert D. Hayes, Sr.; his brothers, Anthony W. Hayes, Sr. (married to Mary), Van Q. Hayes, Sr. (married to Donna), and Travis Henderson (married to Irene); and his sisters, Carol Ann Hayes-Phillips, and Hope T. Hayes (married to Antwan Curse); and five aunts: Helen Hayes, Joann Quick, Barbara Hayes, Virginia Hayes-Sanchez (married to Joseph), and Betty Derry. Additionally, he leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Clairine Dorothy "Dot" Hayes, and his two sisters, Teresa Amusan and and Ruth Ellen Hayes.
Robert leaves a legacy of love, strength, and resilience that will be cherished by all who knew him.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Stephen Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church. Interment will follow at Guil-Rand Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.
Yolanda Segura sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Mr. Robert Durant Hayes, Jr. - August 30, 2024
To the Hayes Family May Gods Love hold you close to Him as He gives you strength in this time of your lost. I'm praying for you and with you. Love you Ms. Yolanda
Betty sent The Loving Light Dishgarden for Mr. Robert Durant Hayes, Jr. - August 29, 2024
My sincere condolences to the Hayes family. I pray that God will heal your heart and strengthen you all during this time. Betty Belk
Odell Williamson sent The Peace Lily for Mr. Robert Durant Hayes, Jr. - August 28, 2024
Vivian, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Odell & Cynthia Williamson
RIH Robert you will be truly missed 😰😰😰😰sad to see you gone, I send my condolences to the Family (Keshia McBride)
My "Cuz". That is the way that Dooney often greeted me. And asked me to call him Dooney and said my Mama is Dot and my Daddy is Robert and that is how we are related Cuz, but you really look like your Daddy Uncle David! That was my first meeting of... Mr. Robert Durant Hayes, Jr. "Cuz", at my first family reunion that I can recall. My Cousin Dooney will always be huge to me in all the good ways a person can and should be in their expression of Love for Family,Friends,Self, and God. Peace Out Dooney
John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled:ye believe in God,believe also in me. In my father's house are many mansions;if it were not so ,I would have told you.I go to prepare a place for you.And if I go and prepare a place for you.I will come again and receive you unto myself;that where Iam,there ye may be also. The Word of the Lord God Bless You Family
VIVIAN, I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS TIME. SHERYL CAMP YARRINGTON AND FAMILY
Hayes Family , We're so very sorry for your loss. Our family will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. Roger Williams & Family
Praying for the Hayes Family From the Witherspoon Family 💔😂💜🧤🎭🍇🌹🧴
To Vivian and family, God will take care of you all. He knows your pain and loss. Lean on Him and you will receive His comfort , peace and blessings. Robert left so many memories to sustain you all because he knew that he would have to take his rest. Love you all and I am just a phone call away. Gretta Bush and Family.
Sending prayers and Condolences to each and everyone of the Family. I remember meeting you through Abraham Henderson years ago and you were so polite to me. You can take your Rest in Peace 🕊️🕊️🕊️ in Heaven you will truly be missed by us down here. Love Ms Sheila Pittman and Gainey Family
My condolences to the family Y'all have been a part of my life for more than 40 years, Me and my family will continue to pray for you all.
My sincere condolences and prayers for the entire family. Rest well my brother!❤️🙏🏽 Diane Robinson
So sorry for your loss our prayers are with you . The Quick
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of Robert. May God continue to keep you strong throughout this difficult time.
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. You have my sincere condolences. May God continue to keep you strong throughout this difficult time.
My deepest condolences to our family on the loss of our beloved cousin. He was truly one of a kind, with a unique spirit that touched everyone around him. May God bless and comfort our family doing this difficult time. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Fred & Ruth Henderson III
I am sorry to hear about your loss. ❤❤❤
Offering sincere condolences to Vivian, William and the entire Hayes family. Robert will be truly missed by his community of friends. We pray your strength and comfort in the Lord in your time of loss and sorrow . Brad Lilley and family
Mr. Robert Hayes Jr. known to many as "Dooney". He was a loving, caring, supportive man to his family. He had a sense of humor and was informative to talk to. We love 💕 him dearly and was saddened to hear of his final rest. We will be praying for the family and may the Good Lord give you strength at this difficult time. Michelle Hayes & family 🙏🏽💕
My prayers and condolences in the loss of your husband, Vivian, I wish words could do more. Love you and family
Sending my deepest condolences to you Vivian and the family you all are in our prayers with love from the Johnsons love u
Sending my sincere condolences and prayers to Mrs.Vivian and the entire Hayes family. I pray for your continued strength as you go through this difficult time. Mosonica Nelson-Kittrell "Mo" and family
Sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Robert Hayes. In this time of bereavement, hold on to God's promises of peace, comfort and hope. Keeping you close in thoughts and prayers. With heartfelt sympathy, Betty Phillips
To Vivian & the entire Hayes family. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. My sincere condolences goes out to each of you & May God give you strength & comfort during this time of bereavement. Wilhelmina Lomax O'Neal
Sorry for your loss sending prayers to the family May God cover you in this season Love , Michelle Mitchell & The McBee family
With deepest sympathy to the Hayes family. We will keep your family in our prayers 🙏. Robert will truly be missed, he had a very kind heart. The Rorie family
Sincere condolences to William and the entire Hayes Family. We are deeply sadden to hear of Mr. Hayes passing, he was truly an amazing man. He will truly be missed. Praying for Peace and Comfort for the entire family.
Lipscomb Family
So sorry for your loss sending prayers and condolences to the family 🕊️🙏🕊️😇 Sharon Green and family
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.