George W.

Hayes

George W. Hayes, Jr., passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Northwest Ohio Hospice, surrounded by his loving family.

George was born on April 29, 1956, in Toledo, Ohio, the son of George Sr. and Hazel (Byrd) Hayes. George graduated from Macomber-Whitney High School in 1974, then went on to Stautzenberger College, earning a degree in architectural drafting. He began in the IBEW Local 8 in 1981. He owned and operated GW's Snack & Sports Card Shop, and served as the DJ for countless weddings, reunions, and events for 35 years. George worked at the University of Toledo as an electrician, also serving as a union steward, for 30 years until his retirement in 2022.

George united with the Canaan Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Roosevelt Bennett where he was baptized and proudly served as a member of the Usher Board Ministry.

George especially loved bowling and believed in its power to bring people together and shape lives. He was a member of the Toledo Bowling Senate and The National Bowling Association. He was a member of the USBC and the USBC youth board. He was the co-creator of the Chosen Few Bowling Club and president of winter and summer league. George coordinated the Toledo Junior Bowlers for over 30 years, helping children to learn the sport and its life lessons. Several of his bowlers earned scholarships for college, including to The Ohio State University. In an effort to build trust between kids and first responders, George started the "Cops & Kids Build-a-Trust Bowl-a-Thon," using bowling as a way to get both groups together for fun each summer for a decade. He appreciated the first responders, city council members, and mayors who participated.

George met Julia Echols in 1990 and was instantly smitten. George enjoyed sharing his love and life with Julia for the last 30 years. Together, they relaxed on Mackinac Island, traveled far and wide to celebrate with family and friends, attended many UT women's basketball games, and worked on bowling events. George was fanatical about Ohio State football, keeping on his "Fear The Nut" hat until the very end. He also was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys. He also taught chess at University Lanes chess club. George was most passionate about taking care of those he loved and serving the larger community.

Remaining to cherish his memory are his longtime partner in life and caregiver, Julia Echols, brother Bryan Hayes (Mandie Bentz), sisters Carla Jean Hayes and Marcella Ellis, niece Brandi (Dr. Anthony) Quinn, great-niece Braniya Quinn and great-nephew Anthony Braylin Quinn II, special godmothers Robbie Smith and Clemmie Bourn and Ruby Whitlow, special goddaughters April Echols and his "mini-me" Sherese "Reese" Williams, special godson Kevin Sandridge, and many friends he considered family. Preceding George in death were his parents, sisters Mattie and Ramona, and brother Jeffrey.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church at 1501 South Cove Blvd. from 4pm until 7pm. His wake will be Saturday, December 7 at 10am and funeral at 11am with Elder Marcella Ellis officiating, also at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will be in Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. Our family would like to extend gratitude to the doctors and staff at the Hickman Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Flower Hospital, Toledo Hospital, and Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

To all of those who spent time with George and our family, or sent their thoughts and prayers, especially to staff from the University of Toledo, we thank you.