Ronald Von Hayes

Ronald Von Hayes, 83, of Charlotte, North Carolina passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 9, 2023. He was born in Hazard, Kentucky on January 24, 1940 to Carl and Mildred Hayes. He was the eldest of seven children and had five brothers and one sister.

Ron was an incredible outdoorsman and that was a passion he passed on to his sons and grandsons. He loved to deer hunt, fish, and camp. Not only did he love to take his sons and grandsons, but he also included his sons' friends in their neighborhood when they were growing up.

Ron attended Morehead University and was an avid reader and continual learner. He loved passing his knowledge and his books along to others. He was quite the historian with a focus on the Civil War, World War II, and the Revolutionary War. He was a crossword Master and enjoyed solving crosswords in almost every genre.

Ron was a police officer for over 30 years. The first seven years in Lexington, KY and the latter 23 years with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). His time with the department included time served as a patrol officer, motorcycle officer, juvenile detective (KY), crime scene search and photography, bomb squad technician, and was a champion pistol shot.

Ron also served his country with four years in the US Army and then another 21 years in the Army Reserves with the rank of E7 platoon sergeant. He trained soldiers in landmine warfare.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Dr. Gary Hayes, G. Wynn Hayes, and John Hayes.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Hayes; his sons, L. Phillip Hayes (Stephanie) and Steven Hayes (Kelly); his grandsons, Jonathan Hayes (Kristy), Joshua Hayes, Michael Hayes (Katherine), and Jacob Hayes; his great-grandson, Wesley Hayes; his brothers, Ricky Hayes (Ellen), and Darryl Hayes (Mindy); his sister, Beverly Baker; and many other loving extended family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, December, 17, 2023 at McEwen Funeral Service - Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC. A visitation will be held prior from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Tunnel to Towers (see link below).