Harold R. Hayes, BM1, US Navy, Retired, 82, died August 30, 2009 after a long illness at Hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida. He was born to Robert and Lena Hayes in Gastonia, North Carolina on September 4,1926. He married Kathleen E. McDaniel on May 10, 1945 in Alcoa Tennessee.
Harold Richard, also nicknamed “HR” first joined the United States Navy in 1942 at the age of 16. Harold served more than twenty one years and retired from active duty in December 1963. Harold also served on the USS Gheradi, USS Vigor, USS Mills, USS Biddle, USS Beaufort, USS Beatty, and the USS Yarnell. He received the American Defense Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Navy Occupation Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
He was a Life Insurance agent for more than 30 years. Harold was past Master of Masonic Lodge 385, F.+A.M. in 1985 and a member of Scottish Rite 32nd degree of Valley of Tampa Orient of Florida. He was a Baptist and member of North East Park Baptist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lena Hayes and a brother, Bill Hayes, Harold is survived by his wife of 63 years, Kathleen Hayes, of Largo, FL; son Richard Larry Hayes of Parrish, FL; daughter Judy Rivais and husband Joseph of Clearwater Beach, Florida; son Ron Hayes and wife Linda of Pinellas Park, Florida; four grandchildren, Ronnie Hayes(Amy), Tammy Land (Ralph), Jason Hayesand his fiancee Erika and Kelly Hayes(Merilee); seven great grandchildren; Autumn, Kylie, Tanner, Chase , Ilah, Kyle and Keaton; his brothers, Raymond (Clara) Hayes and Nelson Hayes; his sister, Maxine Clubb and sister-in law, Hazel Hayes and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Friday September 11 at 10:45 A.M. at the Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd. St. Petersburg, Florida. Memorial service will be held Saturday, September 12 at 1:30 P.M. at North East Park Baptist Church 3737 1ST Street N.E. St. Petersburg, Florida with the Rev. Sam Letson of St. Petersburg officiating.
I love you Dad!
Dearest Kitty and Family,
We and the members of the USS Gherardi Associaton share the sorrow of Harold’s passing. He was a driving force in the history of the Gherardi Association and we know he has left an empty place in the hearts of us all!
Mary Lou and I look forward to seeing you and your family on Saturday 19 September at the reunion.
Roy Burgoyne
Dear Aunt Kitty and cousins Larry, Judy, and Ron (you’ll always be Ronnie to me), my thoughts are with you and I am holding you in my heart and prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family; in this their time of need. Moral lessons that are inculcated are engraved in the hearts and minds of every Mason with spirit and understanding. We ask the Great Crestor of all things to continue to bless protect and watch over us as we mourn our loss. Moreover, we ask Thee, to grant our dear departed Brother eternal refreshment and rest; let the Light forever shine upon him.
Alas, My Brother!
My deepest sympathy to Harold’s family. Just the other day I thought about Harold. I had a professional relationship with him. He will be sadly missed
To the Hayes family ~ I send my love, thoughts and prayers to all of you at this sad time. Harold will be missed, but I hope you find some comfort with these words …
“To live in the hearts of those you love is not to die.” With much affection and my deepest sympathy, Gloria
(your little “Yankee” friend)
Harold was a very nice man and we always enjoyed our time
with him at Kevin’s kitchen and Largo Family Resturant.
We send our condolences at your loss