Beloved NGU supporter, Dr. Joe F. Hayes Sr. Memorial
Kaitlyn Lundy, Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of Unsplash.com.
Joe Hayes Sr., an avid supporter of NGU, passed away on Jan. 16, 2019.
He died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 90.
His way of displaying Christ to others was through being a loving father and husband as well as helping those who were less fortunate. His wife and many children and grandchildren live on to carry out that legacy.
The frequent financial support of Hayes and his wife, Eleanor, is the reason why the Hayes name is found all across the campus in the form of dedications.
Hayes was a benefactor of the university for several decades, supporting Joyful Sound, the renovation of the gymnasium, and leading the efforts in constructing Hayes Ministry Center, Hayes Christian Fine Arts Center and the Joe F. Hayes Jr. Rose Garden. He supported the athletic department as well as the funding of scholarships within the undergraduate program.
The Joe Hank and Eleanor Hayes Ministry Center on campus was financed by Joe Hayes Sr. and his wife in their support of the university in 1996. The pair also funded the Joe Frank and Eleanor Hayes Christian Fine Arts Center. The rose garden was named after his son Joe Hayes Jr.
He was awarded countless honors during his lifetime for his Christ-like example of philanthropy. In 1996, he was placed in NGU’s Athletic Hall of Fame. That same year he was given the highest ranking honor from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1998, he received the greatest honor of the state, the Order of the Palmetto.
It is clear that one of Hayes’ main goals was to support Christian organizations.
In each organization that he served on within the community, he held a distinct chairman role. He began his involvement on the university board of trustees in 1969 in which he later became a Lifetime Board Member in 1992.
In addition to NGU, Hayes showed his support to organizations such as the Blue Ridge Boy Scout Council, Salvation Army, the 1910 Society and the Boys Home of the South.
Hayes owned his own business, Hayes Food Products and used that success to support his charitable endeavors throughout his lifetime.
Hayes and his wife attended Locust Hill Baptist Church where the memorial service took place last month.
At the request of the family, all memorial donations were received in his name to North Greenville University, Locust Hill Baptist Church, and Starr Baptist Church. Flags were held at half staff on the day of his memorial service, Jan. 19.
His devoted pursuit to support North Greenville’s initiative to deliver a Christ-centered education, is a legacy that others will remember for years to come. The university would not be in the shape it is today without his generosity.
His devotion to the community as well as his faith in universities providing higher level of Christian education will be greatly missed.
Hayes’ obituary can be viewed online for further information.
