Ronald Lawrence Hayes

Ronald Lawrence Hayes, PhD, of Lottsburg Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on November 13, 2023 from an apparent heart attack. Born on April 23, 1944 in Portsmouth Virginia, the son of the late Luby Hayes and Ruby (Lawrence) Hayes, however he spent most of his childhood in Richmond . Ron was the older brother to the late Stephen Hayes, and sister, Pamela (Hayes) Poole whom he loved dearly. Ron was a graduate of the University of Richmond, with a BA in Classical Languages, where he enjoyed spending time with his fraternity brothers at Kappa Sigma and discovering his love of research. Ron went on to earn his Master’s and Ph.D. in Physiological Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. A trained Fighter Pilot with the Virginia Air Guard, he loved jets but instead chose to pursue a career as a neuroscientist. As Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of Banyan Biomarkers, Inc, Ron was instrumental in discovering a set of neurological biomarkers and a resultant, first-to-market- blood test to detect the presence and severity of traumatic brain injury and evaluate concussions in adults. This new diagnostic received marketing authorization by The U.S. Food and Drug administration. Previously, he was director of the University of Florida’s Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Studies in Gainesville, FL. He also led brain research programs at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston, Texas, and at the Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University. During his internationally distinguished career, Ron was the President of The National Neurotrauma Society, and served on the Scientific Advisory Boards of the International Brain Injury Association and the International Neurotrauma Society. He published more than 300 peer-reviewed papers and was continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health for more than 30 years. Ron was most proud of being a mentor to numerous young scientists who have emerged as global leaders in the field of neurotrauma. Above all, Ron valued family, staying in almost constant communication with his children no matter the distance or age. Ron is survived by many family members who will carry his legacy of “peace, love, and understanding”: His wife- Mary (Briggs) Hayes; His two sons: Ronald Lawrence (Larry) Hayes Jr. and Austin Gideon Hayes; His daughter: Adrienne Nicole Hayes; Daughters-in-law- Britt Hayes & Linda Kirova; Grandchildren: Ethan and Madelyn Hayes; and nieces and nephews: Wes Poole, Kat Poole, and Travis Poole. Ron was known for his outgoing personality and love of people. Whether in work or play, he was going to pursue his interests with joyful intensity! He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. There will be a Visitation between 6:00pm and 6:30pm with a Remembrance Time to follow at 630pm, Monday, November 20, 2023 at Woody Funeral Home, Atlee Chapel, 9271 Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville, VA followed by a reception at the home of his son, Larry Hayes (address will be provided at celebration of life). To watch the service please click the link: https://mvfuneral.s3.amazonaws.com/Funeral_Hayes_Ronald.mp4