Wayne Autney Hayes

Wayne Autney Hayes was born on October 10, 1942, in Pulaski (Giles County), Tennessee, to the late James Harvey Hayes and Annie Mary Morrell Clark. On Friday, July 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of his devoted wife, daughters, and grandchildren, who filled his room with music and songs, Wayne peacefully entered his eternal rest at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Palliative Care Unit in Birmingham, Alabama. Wayne's life was deeply rooted in music. Blessed with a remarkable singing voice, he often said that music was simply "in his bones." As a young boy, he developed his love for singing while worshipping and performing at Watson's Tabernacle. During his young adult years, Wayne formed a band known as The Belvederes, where he served as the lead vocalist and guitarist. At a time when racial divisions were deeply entrenched throughout the South, Wayne was the only Black member of the all-white band. Their popularity grew as they traveled throughout the southern United States, recording music and performing in numerous venues. Their bond transcended the racial barriers of the era, demonstrating that friendship, respect, and music could unite people in extraordinary ways. Wayne's greatest earthly blessing came when he met the love of his life, the former Mattie Sue Reynolds. The two were united in holy matrimony on December 28, 1968, and shared more than five decades of unwavering love and devotion. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Charmeretta and Felita. Together, Wayne and Mattie became faithful members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, where they sought to serve God throughout their lives. Professionally, Wayne worked in property management, beginning with Otey Realty in Nashville, Tennessee, before continuing his career with the South Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. His work took the family to Paducah, Kentucky, and later to Clarksville, Tennessee, where they made their home for more than twenty years. In 2025, declining health led Wayne and Mattie to relocate to Birmingham, Alabama, where their daughters lovingly cared for them. A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory. The funeral service will take place on Friday, August 7,2026, at 12:00pm in the chapel of Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory. The burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery in Pulaski, Tennessee. He leaves to cherish his precious memory his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Mattie Sue Hayes; one sister, JoAnne Warsaw, Huntsville, Alabama, three daughters, Jeanette Holt Solomon of Pulaski, Tennessee, Charmeretta (Wendell) Timothy of Birmingham, Alabama, and Felita Hayes of Birmingham, Alabama; eight granddaughters, Meghan Johnson, Marie (Dont'e) Carr, Jada Elliott, Channdon Johnson of Fairfax, Virginia, Jasmine Elliott, Jourdan Elliott, Makenzie Johnson, and Kylie Timothy; four great-grandchildren, Chloe Williams, Clara Carr, Eli Carr, and Xola Carr; his dear friend, Dewayne Bell; a close nephew, Larry Hayes, Pulaski, Tennessee, and a host of other nieces, nephews, adopted grandchildren, extended family members, and friends who loved him dearly. To his grandchildren and many others whose lives he touched, he was affectionately known simply as "PawPaw." Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements for Wayne Autney Hayes.

Wayne Autney Hayes

October 10, 1942 - July 31, 2026