On Thursday, January 15, 2015 Robert Lee Hayes completed his life journey and wa worthy of a celebration commenorating his 79 year life span of sunshine as well as rain.
Robert had confessed Christ at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital an was baptized under the guidance Rev. Johnnie Turner. He later became a member
of Greater Philadelphia Baptist Church, Slaughter, Louisiana.
Robert Lee with the comfort of his family had weathered storms in a quest for wellness . When God spoke to the last storm, Gran answered, crossed over and found his peace in the presence of the lord.
In addition to his parents Robert was preceded in death by three brothers Stanley Carl and twins David and Joseph in infancy; three grandsons Troy Henderson, Wayne Jackson Jr.; Tayler Merrick and a nephew Gavin A. Burrell.
Robert leaves to cherish his memories seven daughters; five sons; three sisters; three aunts; 24 grandchildren; 21 great- grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; nephews, nieces and a host of relatives and friends.
Robert Lee Hayes affectionately known as 'Granson' was born in rural Zachary, Louisiana to the union of Stanley and Albertha Dyer Hayes on June 10, 1935. He was an only child for 16 years. Then his siblings began to arrive. Barbara Ann in 1951. Four years later a little brother, Stanley Carl. The following years brought two sisters (twins) Benita Kaye and Lorita Faye. Robert was a rambuncous country boy who enjoyed playing basketball and baseball. He graduated from Chaneyville High School class of 1955.
Robert entered the work force experiencing a variety of jobs. He was a hard working man and retired after 40 years of employment at East Baton Rouge Parish School Food Service as warehouse supervisor; along with 30 years at Southern University in maintenance. While holding down two jobs he found time to raise vegetable gardens, field crops, cut and haul hay and firewood, raise cows and horses, go fishing and a gamut of other things.
Robert was first married to Delloree Thompson. No children were born to this union, he helped to rear her daughter Peggy Thompson. The marriage ended in divorce. During this period we could say "Papa was a rolling stone". Five children were born Lubertha Scott; Wayne Dale and Linda Jackson; Rozeta and Michael Keller. Robert was married a second time to Barbara Lee. Robert was then father to her son Robert Charles Lee. Later this union was blessed with three daughters (twins) Tisha and Kisha Hayes; followed by baby girl Tasha Hayes. Sadly this marriage also ended in divorce. Robert added the final two children to his roster, sons Thiry and Terrance Cage.
'Gran' to me was a bigger than life guy. He could be stern and gruff at times and did not mind speaking his mind. He had a heart of gold and was always sharing and doing things for others. His loving nature showed through his care for his parents, siblings and children. He loved sweets and was always making homemade ice cream, banana pudding, pies an other sweet concotions. He boiled seafood and barbecued frequently for family and friends.