Larry Wayne Hayes, age 74, suffered a heart attack and passed away on November 12, 2024 at his home in Sky Valley, GA. 

Larry was born in Bladenboro, NC to the late Howard Hayes and Eunice Hester.  Athletically gifted in football, baseball, and wrestling, he was an all-state defensive lineman at North Springs High School in Atlanta before playing collegiate football at the Vanderbilt University where he started for the team in his final three seasons.  After receiving an MBA from Northwestern University, Larry started his own financial services company in 1988 where he was an investment advisor for the next thirty six years. Always one to give 120% in all endeavors and finding joy in his work for his clients, he never retired.

Larry was a devoted father as well as a proud grandfather to three grandchildren. He is survived by loving dog, Beau, his two children, Thomas Hayes and Elizabeth Strickland, and his grandchildren: Cash, John Henry and Virginia Strickland. A long-time resident of Sky Valley, Larry had deep connections with his community and neighbors. Always eager to share the view from his porch for the purpose of lifting a glass of bourbon or a cigar with friends, he was a generous man who enjoyed the company of others.  He also loved to travel and had a knack for making strangers feel like family everywhere he went.

Due to the suddenness of his passing, his friends and family have agreed to meet in the spring of next year to pay their respects and honor his wish to have his ashes scattered in a cherished local spot along with those of his beloved dog, Bella, who preceded him in death.  Anyone who wishes to celebrate his life should contact the family for further information. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that anyone who wishes to honor Larry make a donation to their local animal shelter as a tribute to the love and companionship that Larry received from the animals he rescued.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Larry Wayne Hayes. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.