Van Odell Hayes

Van Odell Hayes, 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 28, 2012 at Gateway Medical Center.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 2, 2012 at Hopewell Baptist Church, Cunningham, TN with the Revs. John Black and Donny D. Hutcheson officiating. Burial will follow in Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Hopewell Baptist Church and from 11 a.m. until the hour of service Friday at Hopewell Baptist Church.
Mr. Hayes was born April 26, 1926 and was the eldest of 10 children born to Ernest Van Buren and Laura Belle Baggett Hayes. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Earl Hayes, Sr. and John Benjamin Hayes; and sisters, Thelma Marshall and Geneva Faye Hayes.
He is survived by his wife of over 63 years, Betty Sue Ashby Hayes; son, Dr. Ashley L. Hayes and wife, Tina of Linden, TN; grandchildren, Cortney and Adam Roberts, Keri and Travis Prater, Beth and Josh Warren, and Denny and Debbie Dabbs, 7 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild; brothers Harold Hayes of Clarksville, Cecil Hayes of Lincoln Park, MI, and Phillip Hayes of Palmyra; and sisters Dorothy Niemann of Cincinnati, OH and Shirley Thomas of Palmyra.
He was a charter member of Hopewell Baptist Church where he served for many years as Church Clerk and taught the Teenagers Sunday School Class.
He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the European Theater of Operations. He was retired from Acme Boot Co. after 43 years of service.
Pallbearers will be Earl Hayes, Jr., Jason Hayes, Timmy Ashby, Steve Ashby, Brandon Ashby, Josh Warren, Travis Prater, and Steven Ashby. Honorary pallbearers will be Trevin Prater, Caleb Ashby, Brian Ashby, and Levi Ashby.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hopewell Baptist Church, 2180 Hwy 13, Cunningham, TN 37052.
Arrangements in the care of McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home, (931)647-3371. Online condolences may be made at NaveFuneralHomes.com.