Michael Elliott Hayes

It is with broken hearts that we pay tribute to the remarkable life of Michael Elliott Hayes, age 45, who left us far too soon, passing away unexpectedly on the morning of April 1, 2024. Mike was a loving spouse and devoted parent, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was an avid Hokie and Giants fan, loved traveling, golfing, and grilling. Mike’s generosity and love for all around him knew no bounds. He is survived by his wife, Kara; children, Laila Michelle (10) and Jordan Robert (7); mother, Saunderia "Sandy" F. Hayes Smith; father, Roland C. Hayes, Sr.; sisters, Donna Ware of NY, Victoria Long of VA, and Charity Parker of VA; brother, Roland C. Hayes, Jr. (Denise) of MD; six nieces and nephews, Christian Booth (Faith), Ariel Long, Miracle Long, Zion Parker, Xavier Parker, Prince Parker; three grandnieces, Jewel Pyos, Olivia Spriggs, and Royal Spriggs; uncle, Maurice Ware of VA; grandmother, Eulah Wellington of NJ; aunt, Carla Smith of VA; father and mother In-laws, Robert and Andrea Cook of NC; sister-in-law, Kelly Cook of VA; and his brother “from another mother,” Jonathan D. Moore (Nisa), and their children Tyson and Addyson, of VA; and countless other close relatives and friends. Mike was born on September 19, 1978 in the Bronx, NY and lived there until moving to Fairfax, VA at the end of 5th grade. He graduated from Fairfax High School in 1996 and was a star football player and wrestler. His football jersey number was 60 which eventually became his nickname, Big 60. He went on to play football at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA for one year and then moved to the Blacksburg, VA area attending New River Community College and becoming part of the Virginia Tech Hokie community, where he met his loving wife, Kara. Their connection was instant. The minute they met, they knew it was meant to be. They immediately started sharing their lives together in Blacksburg and Mike spent time on the road bodyguarding for 50 Cent, Missy Elliot, AI and G-Unit until they moved back up to Fairfax. They were married on May 21, 2011 and started their family in 2013. In 2019, Mike and Kara bought their dream home here in Mosley, VA. Mike had an accomplished career in the supply chain industry, managing the accountability of inventory and assets. Ten of those years were spent serving with the Department of State Diplomatic Security mission. He was a sought-after subject matter expert in Government Property Management, and was an active member of the Association of Supply Chain Management (ASCM) and National Property Management Association (NPMA), serving on the local NPMA NOVA Chapter Board. He also served on the board of directors of Next Up NOVA. A celebration of life is scheduled for 2:30pm on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at Brandermill Church, 4500 Millridge Pkwy, Midlothian, VA 23112. The service will be followed by a repass at The Magnolia Green Golf Club. Friends and family are invited to attend. Interment will be held at 2:30pm on Monday, April 15, 2024 at Westhampton Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations are made to his children’s college funds, everloved.com/life-of/michael-elliott-hayes Mike had a unique ability to connect with people. He was a friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He approached each day with a contagious enthusiasm and genuine desire to make a positive impact on those around him. He always made time to pick-up the phone, call people and show up for those he loved. We will deeply miss his smile, his voice, his laugh, his hugs, and his dance moves. Sleep in peace.