Joseph Dennis Hayes, Jr.
Joe Hayes, age 83, died early morning Friday, March 24, 2017. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was born in Dillon County, South Carolina, on July 9, 1933, the oldest of five children and the only son born to Lela and Dennis Hayes.
Joe attended Catfish School, Lower Marlboro High School, and then Clemson University, obtaining a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1955. He served in the United States Air Force, flying everything from B-25s to large B-47 bombers with SAC. When Joe was stationed at Good Fellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, he met and married Joanne Carr.
In 1958, Joe began his chosen career with U.S. Steel in Birmingham, Alabama. He transferred to the Texas Works in Baytown in 1978, and moved his family to Clear Lake.
After working more than 30 years as a supervisor, Joe retired. However, retirement did not “take” and Joe soon began consulting work for several companies, including Jindal Steel.
This work now took Joe to Mexico, Brazil, Russia, Japan, and India for extensive trips. His final retirement was in early 2000. Afterwards, Joe rarely missed attendance at family ball games, sporting events, fishing trips, school performances, and graduations. He also presided at countless backyard barbeques.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of over 58 years, Joanne Carr Hayes; daughter Katherine Diane Hayes (Jim Abraham); son Joseph Dennis Hayes, III (Genie); six grandchildren, Blake (Leanna), Joe (Ami), Audrey Campbell (Justin), Emily Triola (Mark), Nora, and Charlie; nine great-grandchildren, Daniel, Gavin, Carley, Caleb, Veda, Grant, Chase, Ava Grace, and Avery; and three sisters, Betty Jean Collins, Joyce Dotson (Howard), and Carolyn Doak.
On March 30th, a memorial service was held at Joe’s church, Clear Lake Presbyterian. Joe was buried on April 1st at Fairmount Cemetery in San Angelo in the Carr family plot following a graveside service with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations were made to Hope Village, 15403 Hope Village Road, Friendswood, Texas, 77546, (281) 482-7926, www.hope-village.com.