Don Hayes

  Don C. Hayes, age 69, of Ray, passed away Monday, September 21, 2026, at his home. He was born February 14, 1957 in Summersville, West Virginia, son of the late Winson C. Hayes and Macil J. Atkins Hayes. Don was a former coal miner with Kanawha Coal Company and a member of the UMWA. He was also a member of the Coon Hunters Club and Shepherd’s Chapel. Don enjoyed anything to do with the outdoors including coon hunting, camping and mowing the yard. You could always find him somewhere tinkering on cars or whatever he could find that had tires or brakes involved. Most of all, Don loved time spent with his family, whether it be by cooking meals for them, attending family reunions or just sitting around enjoying a conversation. He is survived by his wife, Marcella E. “Marcie” Adkins Hayes; children, Dawn Michelle Harris (Andre), Jessie Hayes (Rebekah) and David Hayes (Misty); step-daughter, Amanda Gregory; siblings, Denny Hayes (Marsha), Linda Strickland, Sheila Roberts (Doug) and Michael Hayes (Joan), along with 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 1 step-grandson, 2 step-great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Besides his parents, Don was preceded in death by his first wife, Christy Hayes; and his siblings, twin sisters, Judith and Jewel Hayes, Carl Hayes, Charles Hayes, Susie Rinehart and Patty Ball. Calling hours will be Saturday, September 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. A Celebration of Life service will follow the calling hours at 1 p.m. In keeping with Don’s request, cremation will follow the service. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.