William James Hayes, age 86, of Springfield, Missouri passed away Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at his home surrounded by family.  Bill was born January 2, 1935, in Duke, Missouri, to Elmer and Ruby (Walker) Hayes.  He graduated from Rolla High School in 1953 and served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956.  On June 3, 1956, he married Doris Jean (Mitchell) Hayes and together raised three children.  Bill was a faithful, loving husband until her death December 12, 1996.

Known for his superb athletic abilities; Bill loved baseball.  An avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, he enjoyed watching the Cardinals nightly and was an original season ticket holder for the Springfield Cardinals.  Bill, a devout man of faith, was a loyal member of Parkview Christian Church for 48 years; and served on the board of Elders for many years.  He retired from Kraft Foods in April of 1995, and in his spare time enjoyed rebuilding antique clocks.

Bill and Carolyn (Harmon) Hayes were married January 2, 1999, and for 21 years enjoyed traveling, playing cards, working puzzles, spending time with family, and most of all, he loved being a grandpa.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; three children; Brian Hayes, Bruce and Joanna Hayes, and Brenda and Mike Descamps, his nephew; Rob and Kathy Evans, three stepchildren; Teresa and Gary Keepper, Brent and Lenita Davison, Traci, and Mark Hamra; 22 grandchildren; 43 great grandchildren, one brother; Kenneth Hayes and one sister; Donna Nash.  He is preceded in death by his parents; Elmer and Ruby Hayes, his wife, Doris Jean Hayes, and daughter-in-law, Pamela (Eastlake) Hayes.

Funeral services will be held at 1 pm, Monday, September 13, 2021, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East with Bruce Hayes officiating.  Burial will follow at Rivermonte Memorial Gardens.  Visitation is 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Sunday, September 12, 2021, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East with family representation present.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Amyloidosis Research Foundation at www.amyloidosis.org.