James William "JBuck" Hayes

Jefferson, SC

Mr. JBuck Hayes passed away quietly at his home in Jefferson, surrounded by his loving family, in the early morning of Sunday, June 28th. He was born in Jefferson, to the late Press and Neelie Hayes, on August 23, 1932. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at Jefferson First Baptist Church by Pastor Scott Wilson with burial to follow in the Jefferson Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 to 2:00 PM prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. The family will also be receiving friends at Mr. Hayes' home, 310 N. Lee St. Jefferson, SC 29718, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Mr. Hayes will lie in state on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home for any who wish to pay their respects prior to the service.

He leaves behind, to cherish his memory, his wife of 54 years, Martha Smith Hayes; his daughter, Bettina Rayfield (John Bessinger) of Murrells Inlet, SC; Sister, Margaret Price, of Jefferson; Daughter in law, Cindy Hayes and precious granddaughter, Sarah Ashley Hayes, both of Jefferson; bother-in-law, Mike Smith; nieces, Lisa Steele and Sondra Price; great-nephews, Nolan, Preston, Samuel and Jackson; a huge circle of friends; and Buddy, his lovable fur baby.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Hayes, his wife, Betty Graves Hayes, and his sister, Mrs. Jean Hayes Outen.

JBuck was a lifelong resident of Jefferson. He worked as Plant Manager of CaroKnit of Jefferson, for 34 years, and in sales for 15 years at Vanguard in Monroe. He served in the National Guard included 24 years retiring as Master Sergeant.He was also a lifelong member of Jefferson Baptist Church, where he served in the following capacities—Deacon, member of the grounds committee, and a choir member.

He served as a Boy Scout leader, worked on the Chesterfield County Economic Development Board, and a singer in a group that provided music and song for Hospice patients. JBuck was an avid golfer, and made a hole in one winning a new car. His claim to fame included three holes in one. He was a member in a quartet that shared music and song with many churches, friends, and neighbors. He and his wife were proud members of the Bridge Club, where the greatest bonds of friendship were formed. They enjoyed square dancing, shagging, loved entertaining and travel, and time at Garden City Beach, SC.

The family extends their sincerest gratitude to Crescent Hospice of Hartsville, and to Kelly Moree, Crystal Hayes, and Monica Arrington of Hearts and Hands of Pageland.

Memorials may be made to Jefferson First Baptist Church, PO Box 247, Jefferson, SC 29718.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Hayes family.