Major Gene Funderburke Hayes

Major Gene Funderburke Hayes age 68 of Greer Drive Rome died Saturday following an extended illness.

Mr. Gene “Barney” Hayes was born July 19, 1941 in Trion, Georgia son of the late Barney Hayes and Mary McKenzie Hayes. Mr. Hayes was a 1959 graduate of Model High School and attended Georgia Tech and Emory University. Mr. Hayes was a veteran of the United States Army having served in Vietnam as a pilot where he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and Air Medal (Valor). He was a communicate of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Survivors include: wife, Shirley Hayes, Rome; daughter, Shannon Hayes, two sons, Downing and Burke Hayes, four grandchildren, Conner, Donovan, Cullen and Brennen Hayes, sister, Kathleen Morris, nieces and nephews, Darin Pressley, Kathy Pressley, Kevin Morris and Roxie Morris great nieces and nephews, Blake Pressley, Branson Pressley, Lane Morris, Lyle Morris and Lance Morris. A special friend Mike Higgins also survives.

Graveside and interment services will be held Wednesday 2 PM in Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens with Deacon Stuart Neslin officiating, the honor guard of Shanklin-Attaway Post 5 of the American Legion will have charge of Military Graveside Rites.

Mr. Hayes will lie in state at Daniel’s Funeral Home where a Biblical Wake will be held Tuesday at 6 PM with a visitation to follow until 8 PM at other hours the family may be contacted at the residence.

Pallbearers are ask to meet Wednesday 1:45 PM at Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens and include: Blake Pressley, Branson Pressley, Pete Price, Kent Price, David Price and Terry Cordle. Honorary pallbearers will be Cullen, Conner and Donovan Hayes.

The family respectfully asked in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 911 North Broad Street, Rome, GA 30147.