1933-2017 George Hayes, 83, Barstow, CA died the 2nd of May 2017 due to complications from surgery. Born 23 December 1933 to James Oren and Mary Ellen Reid Hayes, Gabby, as he was affectionately known, spent his early years working and playing on farms near Georgetown and Bunsenville, Illinois. He married his college sweetheart, Karen Spencer in November of 1957. When Karen passed away in April 2011, they had been married more than 53 years. Gabby played college basketball on a scholarship he received from Centenary College in Louisiana. He was inducted with his baseball team to the Taylorville High School Hall of Fame. He spent over 40 years as a teacher in Texas and California. He taught at Barstow Junior High School for most of his career, as well as at Barstow High School where he served as the Head Basketball Coach for the 1983-84 season. Gabby taught at the Snowline School District for the remainder of his teaching career, focusing on the education of students with special needs. In retirement, he successfully modeled his philosophy “Let me live in my house by the side of the road and be a friend to man.” His ability to solve problems by bringing to light proper perspective was invaluable. His positive and levelheaded attitude in facing hardships was an inspiration. He also made beans so delicious that they actually deserve a mention here. Gabby was preceded in death by his wife and parents. He is survived by his sons: Jim Hayes, Doug Hayes, and Ty Hayes; grandchildren: Ariana Hayes, Iason Hayes, and Hannah Hayes; and daughters-in-law: Peggy Williams Hayes, Effie Exarghiropulu Hayes, and Lulu Han Hayes. A celebration of Gabby’s life will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 16th at First Baptist Church, 1320 Barstow Road. A luncheon will follow at Los Domingos Restaurant, 1520 E. Main St., Barstow.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18