Walter Mebon Hayes,

Walter Mebon Hayes, age 97, formerly of Hiddenite, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011, at Wilkes Senior Village in Wilkesboro. Walter was born on April 19th, 1914 in Alexander County to the late Gordon and Rispy Campbell Hayes, he was a life long member of Linney’s Grove Baptist Church. He was retired from Broyhill Furniture in Hiddenite and was a farmer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Eloise Lackey Hayes, in 1997 whom he married in 1939. He was also preceded by three sons: Walter Howard, Gene Earl, and Gerald Mebon Hayes; as well as a granddaughter, Crystal Millsaps, and one great-grandson Koby Souther; 3 sisters: Lula Mennis, Etta Kerley and Dora Lambert. Survivors include 4 daughters: Lucille “Lucy” Burgess and husband Ray of Hamlet, Dorothy “Dot” Millsaps and husband Jimmy, Helen Lawrence and husband Bill - each of Statesville, and Lillian McNew and husband Roy of Abingdon, VA. 2 daughter-in-laws: Ruth and Linda Hayes of Hiddenite. He leaves behind 23 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 1-2:00 p.m. on  Friday, Aug. 19, 2011 at Linneys Grove Baptist Church in Hiddenite with funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the ChurchCemetery. Rev. Wesley Rexrode, Rev. William Wease, and Rev. Paul Fox will officiate. Memorials may be made to the Activity Fund of Wilkes Senior Village, 204 Old Brickyard Rd. NorthWilkesboro, NC. 28659.  Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service in Taylorsville are entrusted with Mr. Hayes arrangements.