Gary Hayes

Gary Thomas Hayes, 70, of Wilson, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

A Celebration of Life Service will be at Daniels Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Saturday at 10:30 am, followed by visitation.

Gary was a very simple man with a phenomenal talent. Though his career was metal fabrication and heating/air installation and repair, he will be most remembered for his voice. Gary sang with the Southern Gospel groups New Life Singers and Legacy for more than 45 years, but he was also a frequent performer at the Johnston Community College Country Music Showcase and other area musical events. He was often requested to sing at weddings, funerals, and various church and community functions. Gary's ministry was his music and he touched countless lives through his songs and his testimony. Recently, Gary was honored at the Eastern North Carolina Quartet Convention as a “Living Legend” in the gospel music realm.

An avid fisherman, golfer, and Duke fan, Gary enjoyed life's simple pleasures.

His greatest joy came from being a daddy and Pops. He took great pride in his children and granddaughter and loved being a part of their lives.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Pittman Hayes; daughter, Lindsay Ceyrolles (Paolo); sons, Mitch Hayes (Rebecca), and Jamie Hayes; granddaughter, Brooke Hayes, all of Wilson; and brother, Jeffrey Hayes, of Kenly.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Thomas Hayes and Geraldine Barnes Hayes; sister, Annette Pittman; and grandson, Cameron Hayes.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Daniels Chapel OFWB Church, 4828 Frank Price Church Rd, Wilson 27893 or to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, www.christopherreeve.org (an organization devoted to spinal cord injury treatment and research.)

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr N, Wilson, (252) 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com