Ricky Timothy Hayes

Ricky Timothy Hayes, passed away surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and countless miles traveled. Born on May 2, 1958, Ricky was a man whose life was defined by his unwavering love for his family, his adventurous spirit, and his dedication to those he held dear. For 37 wonderful years, he shared his life with the love of his life, his devoted wife, Patricia Ann Hayes. Together they built a family that became the center of his world.

A professional truck driver for more than 33 years, Ricky spent his career traveling the highways of America, logging an estimated five million miles and visiting every state in the continental United States. He often said that he "always had to know what was around the next curve," a phrase that perfectly reflected his curiosity and love for the open road.

Above all else, Ricky was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was blessed with six children: Bryan Hayes (Kim), Crystal Franklin (Chris), Benjamin Hayes (Tashma), Brandon Hayes (Tara), Casey Peaden (Marcus), and his youngest daughter, Chelsey Mitchell (Austin). His greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his nineteen beloved grandchildren and his precious great granddaughter, Sofia. Whether cheering on football games with his sons, helping with family projects, or simply enjoying time together, Ricky treasured every opportunity to make memories with those he loved.

Ricky had a heart for animals and never met one that he didn't love. He enjoyed traveling, trying his luck at the casino, and was an accomplished piano player whose music brought joy to those around him. Known for his wonderful sense of humor, he had a way of making people laugh and feel at ease. He was rarely seen without one of his favorite patriotic blue, red, and white T-shirts.

His family will forever smile when remembering some of his trademark sayings. Whenever he was about to offer advice, he would begin with, "I'm not trying to tell you what to do," before doing exactly that. He also had a way of convincing everyone that nearly every project was "just a ten minute job." One of the greatest ways he expressed his love was by gathering his family together to work side by side on those projects, creating lasting memories along the way. He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Doug Hayes.

He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Ann Hayes; his children, Bryan Hayes (Kim), Crystal Franklin (Chris), Benjamin Hayes (Tashma), Brandon Hayes (Tara), Casey Peaden (Marcus), and Chelsey Mitchell (Austin); his nineteen grandchildren; his great granddaughter, Sofia; his sister, Renee Swords; his brother, Larry Henderson; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the chapel of Low Country Cremation & Burial.

Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Low Country Cremation & Burial with Brother Bobby Wynne officiating.

Interment will take place on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the family plot at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Buford, Georgia.

Low Country Cremation & Burial has the honor of serving the Hayes family during this time of bereavement.