Paul Henry Hayes

Paul Henry Hayes, CPL

Paul Hayes, 95, passed away January 18, 2026. He was born in Kent County Delaware, May 24, 1930, to John Andrew and Tressie Tucker Hayes. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 69 years, Jane Groce Hayes; his sisters Florence Riner, Maxine Horton, Faye Smitherman, Anna Lee Hemric; his brothers Ray, Jesse and Clyde Hayes.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Paula and Charles Johnson; sisters Bernice Cunningham, Carrie Sue (Rodney) Walker, Agnes (Bill) Mayes; brother Harold (Linda) Hayes; brother-in-law, Jerry Hemric; and several nieces and nephews. Paul was of Christian faith and member of Swan Creek Baptist Church.

Paul grew up in Delaware until the age of 9 when the family moved back to Wilkes County, NC. Times were tough for his family, and those humble beginnings required hard work, and Paul was always a hard worker. He was a US Army Veteran with the rank of Corporal, and retiree of Sara Lee Corp. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, gardening and singing.

His Mother taught him how to read music, and his family grew up singing together. As a young man, his love of gospel hymns lead him to sing on Sundays at the local radio station in Elkin, NC. After marriage, Paul became the tenor singer of the Walkertown Quartet in Winston Salem NC, traveling with them for many years. He and Jane loved to attend gospel singings with family and friends. At home Jane would play the piano and they would sing, often with friends and family, and to some over the phone. On Sundays Paul would take his pitch pipe to church, just in case he was asked to sing a cappella. We know he’s singing with Jane and his heavenly family and friends.

Paul will be remembered as the devoted loving husband of Jane, and loving father of Paula and Charles. He loved his family and was a friend to his neighbors and always willing to lend a hand. We are deeply saddened and heartbroken of his passing, but he leaves many happy and beautiful memories for those who loved him most.

The family will receive friends Saturday, February 7th from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Gentry Family Funeral Service in East Bend. His funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM at Gentry Family Chapel with friend of the family, Pastor Elisha Robertson officiating. Weather permitting, burial will follow at Swaim’s Baptist Church. His honorary pallbearers are nephews, John Horton, David and Gary Hayes, Randy Hayes, Greg and Jonathan Hayes, Michael, Brian and Steven Hemric, Mark Walker, Chris Groce and friend Greg Gilley. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Swaim’s Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 3919 Swaim’s Church Road, Hamptonville, NC 27020.

We would like to thank his favorite physicians, Dr. Milton Harris, Dr. Michael Morgan, Dr. Victor Korang and their exceptional staff. We are grateful for the kind compassionate care you gave. Thank you to Forsyth Co. EMTs for your service.

We also extend our gratitude to neighbors, friends and family for their support, calls, visits and prayers. Your kindness and generosity will not be forgotten.

Gentry Family Funeral Service in East Bend is serving the Hayes family. Online condolences can be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.