Donald Irby “Don” Hayes, 76 of Cedar Mountain North Carolina, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. Born on August 13, 1949, in Anderson, South Carolina, Don was the son of the late Gloria and Irby Hayes.

As the son of a United States Air Force POW, Don spent his childhood moving with his family,living in many states including Texas and Florida before settling in Brevard in 1965 when his father was stationed at the RCA tracking station in Rosman. He graduated from Brevard High School in 1967 and, immediately after graduation, proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force.

Don was a Vietnam War Veteran and served his country honorably. During this time he was also stationed in both England and the Philippines. In 1968, he married the love of his life, Jeanne Baynard of Cedar Mountain, beginning a marriage that would span nearly 58 years.

Following his military service, Don and Jeanne made their home in Greenville, South Carolina,where Don worked for PYA. Although Greenville offered opportunity, the mountains were always calling them home. They returned to Brevard to raise their family, where Don worked for Olin/Ecusta until the plant closed in the early 2000's.

Don believed in giving back to his community. He devoted many years to the Brevard Jaycees,serving in leadership roles at both the local and state levels. His commitment to helping others extended throughout his life, including 34 years as a grateful friend of Bill W., where he found purpose in supporting and encouraging countless people on their own journeys.

To know Don was to know laughter. His quick wit, infectious sense of humor, and gift for making friends wherever he went left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He truly never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome, valued, and appreciated. His stories, jokes, and genuine kindness will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Gloria and Irby Hayes, his sister, Judy Bayles and grandson Ryan Guillebeau.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly 58 years, Jeanne Hayes of Cedar Mountain; his daughters, Ea Dossey and husband Roy of Cedar Mountain, and Noel Hayes of Cedar Mountain.

He was a proud grandfather to John Guilmette and wife Jaimie of Brevard, Madison Dossey of Austin, Texas, Caleb Sisk and wife Stephanie of Chapel Hill, Bayleigh Garcia of Brevard, Seth Garcia and wife Ashleigh of Texarkana, Texas, Zackary Garcia of Texarkana, Texas, and Brayden Dossey and fiancé Tara of Liverpool, United Kingdom and Godson William Booker of Franklin,TN.

He is also survived by his brother-in law Hank Bayles of Cedar Mountain and his nephews, Sam Bayles and wife Miki of Winston-Salem, and Gabe Bayles and wife Garnett of Richmond,Virginia; his great-niece, Kyrstin Heiferman and husband Chris of Winston-Salem; and his great-great niece, Willow. 

Don was blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Alison, Lilly, Maze, Odin, Lorelai, Kaiora, Ada-Jane and another precious great-grandson expected in January.

Don’s legacy is one of service, laughter, faith, friendship, and unwavering love for his family.His life reminds us that the greatest measure of a person is not found in titles or accomplishments, but in the lives they touch. Though he will be deeply missed, his humor,compassion, and generous spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Don’s motto was words written by Paul McCartney “and in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make”. 

Visitation with Don's family will be held on Saturday August 15, 2026  at 1:00 pm at Moody-Connolly Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will follow at 2:00 pm, including military honors provided in recognition of his faithful service to the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Immediately following the service, the family invites you for a meal and continued Don stories at Rocky Hill Baptist Church fellowship hall in Cedar Mountain. 10811 Greenville Hwy Cedar Mountain NC 28718.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that as a tribute to Don's love of music memorial contributions be made to Brevard School of Strings PO Box 252 Brevard NC 29712, or To Rocky Hill Baptist Church 10811 Greenville Hwy Cedar Mountain NC 28718, or that acts of kindness be shared in Don's memory, reflecting the generosity and compassion with which he lived his life.