Dennis Ray Hayes

Dennis Ray Hayes, 82, of Wynne, Arkansas, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas, surrounded by the love of his family. Dennis was born on August 9, 1943, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to the late Ralph Henry Hayes Jr. and Helen Roberta Hayes of Marston, Missouri. Dennis was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather and proud great-grandfather. While his love for his family was immeasurable, his greatest passion was his faith in Christ and his lifelong commitment to serving the Lord and sharing the Gospel. Bro. Hayes answered the call to ministry with unwavering faith and obedience. While honorably serving in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1984 and retiring as a Master Sergeant, he was ordained as a missionary to the Philippines. During his assignment at Clark Air Force Base, God began a powerful work through him and his family. What started as small worship services held in the family’s living room, soon began to grow as lives were touched by the message of Christ. Those gatherings quickly outgrew their home and moved into a pavilion where even more people came to hear the Word of God. Through his faithful ministry, many souls were reached, lives were changed, and countless individuals came to know Christ. After returning to the United States, Bro. Hayes continued faithfully answering God’s call by ministering to countless families and communities. He was called to serve as pastor of Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church in Bradford, Arkansas, where he faithfully led and served for more than 15 years. Later in his ministry, God led him to Southside Missionary Baptist Church in Wynne, Arkansas, where he continued to preach the Gospel, shepherd his congregation, and serve with compassion and dedication for more than 25 years. He remained faithful to his calling until the Lord called him home, leaving behind a lasting legacy of faith, service, and devotion to Christ. Bro. Hayes lived a life marked by faith, humility, service, and love. His legacy will continue through the family he cherished, the people he ministered to, and the many lives he impacted for the Kingdom of God. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7 In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Violeta Dela Cruz Beltran Hayes whom he met and married while stationed in the Philippines. He is survived by his sons, Kevin Hayes (Kelley) of Cabot, Keith Hayes (Gail) of Jacksonville, and Kenneth Hayes (Ashlyn) of Sherwood, daughter, Rosie Hansen (Jack) of Bradford, grandchildren, Katelyn Saeler (DaKota), Keaton Hayes (Brianna), Kyler Hayes, Karsen Hayes (Brooke), Karter Hayes, Keegan Hayes, Kaeden Rose, Davelee Hayes and McKenlyn Hayes, and great-grandchildren, Harper Hayes, Raeleigh Saeler and Haven Hayes. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Hayes (Joy) of Marston, Missouri and sister Pat Johnson (Ben) of New Madrid, Missouri. Pallbearers for the service will be Keaton Hayes, Kyler Hayes, Karsen Hayes, Karter Hayes, Keegan Hayes, Kaeden Rose, DaKota Saeler, Chandler Calvert, and Chase Calvert. Honorary pallbearers will be Davelee Hayes and Hunter Calvert. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Southside Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 7th, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be on Friday, May 8th, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Both services will be held at Southside Missionary Baptist Church, 1100 South Falls Blvd, Wynne, Arkansas. Graveside service will follow at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in Birdeye, Arkansas with military honors. Kernodle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. You may sign an online guestbook at www.kernodlefh.com

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Dennis Ray Hayes

August 9, 1943 - May 2, 2026