Gerald Hayes

Gerald Leroy Hayes Sr., age 77, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania went home to be with the Lord on July 1, 2021 at Chambersburg Hospital. Born May 4, 1944 in Vinings, Georgia, he was the son of the late Clarence L Hayes and Anna Catherine Hayes-Lobach. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years Donna Hayes. He is preceded in death by his siblings Janet Evans, Kenneth Hayes, Connie Nave, and Donald Hayes. He has one living brother, Richard Hayes and his wife Debbie of Martinsburg, West Virginia. Jerry has two sons, Gerald Hayes Jr and his wife Jessica of Falling Waters, West Virginia and Gary Hayes with his fiancée Gina of Hedgesville, West Virginia. Michael Voytko of Alexandria, Virginia is his step-son. His grandchildren are Rebekah, Gary, David, Benjamin, Mckenzie, Madison, and Laura; along with two great grandchildren Penelope and Derrick. He had many nieces and nephews.


Jerry was a member of the Open Door Church, Chambersburg, PA. He was raised in Baltimore, Maryland attending Patterson Park High School. He graduated from the Independent Baptist College in Dallas, Texas earning a degree in Theology from 1974-1978. Throughout his adult life he held various jobs. He worked as a metal finisher, sheet metal worker, welder, and a salesman. Finally, he worked as a correctional officer at the Maryland Correctional Institution in Hagerstown, Maryland before retiring in 1997. Postretirement, his hobby of photography turned into a part-time job as a professional photographer of weddings.

Jerry had many likes and passions. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He always had a love for cars or anything on wheels. He especially loved his 1995 Corvette and his motorcycle. He was very talented and was able to fix anything around his home. Cooking was another of his passions. In his later years, he became computer savvy. His pets were a big part of his life. His cat Beau and dog Ziggy will miss his constant affection. Finally, he loved the Lord and truly enjoyed gospel music.

A Memorial service will be held July 8, 2021 at Calvary United Methodist Church, 150 Norlo Drive, Fayetteville, Pa. with Rev. Robin Baer officiating. Family will begin receiving guests starting at 10am. The memorial service will start at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow the services at the church.