Andrew Hayes, Jr

Andrew William (Buzzy) Hayes, Jr. passed away peacefully at the age of 74 on March 2nd, 2025. Born in Connellsville, PA, to Andrew W. Hayes, Sr. and Eleanor Flynn Hayes, Buzzy moved with his family, as a young child, to Mobile, AL where he lived the remainder of his life. Buzzy attended school at Little Flower Catholic School and was a graduate of McGill Institute. He also attended Marion Military Institute and Troy State University. Buzzy worked as a clerk on the Alabama State Docks for 48 years. In addition to colleagues from all walks of life, he enjoyed the call of seagulls and salty sea breezes which are emblematic of the daily life of a ship planner on Mobile Bay.

Buzzy loved people. He loved spending time with his friends at the Alba Club, in fellowship during Bible study, and over eggs and bacon at Waffle House. He had a keen ability to connect with people from every background and regularly called friends and loved ones to connect and let them know he was thinking about them. Buzzy was a man who enjoyed the simple things in life like good food, watching Auburn sports, spending quality time with friends and family, and serving others through volunteer ministry opportunities. A walking example of the Bible's command be humble and bear one another in love, Buzzy never failed to put others first. In humility, he always valued others above himself.

More than anything, Buzzy was deeply committed to his family and faith. He met his lifelong love, Cathy Jay, in 1973 and they were married in 1974. He placed his trust in Jesus as a young adult and through the remainder of his life he never wavered in his faith. Buzzy and Cathy were long time active members of Cottage Hill Baptist Church and have been active members of Dauphin Way Baptist Church since 2005. During that time, Buzzy enjoyed coaching little league baseball (it is rumored that he once threw a no-hitter in a coach-pitch league game), attending recitals, caring for children in the church nursery, dog sitting, babysitting, treating his grandkids to a meal on the deck of the Bluegill, and generally serving as a steadfast and loving support for his children and grandchildren's many endeavors.

He is survived by Cathy, his wife of over 50 years; three children Bradley Hayes, Nicholas Hayes (Morgan), and Lauren Chao (Michael); his five grandchildren Henry Hayes, Elliot Hayes, Walker Hayes, Hayes Chao, and Carter Chao; his sisters Joanne Jensen, Kathy Kerstetter, Robin Hayes, and his brother John Hayes. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Rebecca Hayes.

The family will receive friends Saturday, March 8th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at Dauphin Way Baptist Church with a graveside service to follow at Mobile Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family encourages those interested to contribute to Dauphin Way Baptist Church.