Robert Lee Hayes

Robert Lee Hayes of Beulah, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the age of 76.

Born on July 18, 1949, in Indianola, Mississippi, Robert was the son of John Robert Hayes and Mary Elizabeth Anderson Hayes. Due to his father's military service, the family relocated several times during his childhood. Following in his family's tradition of service, Robert himself joined the United States Army in 1967 and bravely served as a paratrooper in the Vietnam War. For his dedication and sacrifice, he was honored with the Purple Heart Medal.

After returning home, Robert married Connie McKnight on November 6, 1971, in Rosedale, Mississippi. He built a long and honorable career as a long-haul truck driver with Boyd Brothers Trucking until 2017. Subsequently, he took on a leadership role managing the tarping division at Premier Warehouses in Greenville, Mississippi, until his retirement just weeks before his passing.

A devoted family man, Robert cherished every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He found joy in fishing, tending to his garden, repairing vehicles, and delighting his loved ones by cooking breakfast for the family.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, John Robert and Mary Elizabeth Hayes, and his beloved wife, Connie McKnight Hayes. He is survived by his daughter, Brandie Hayes Moore of Beulah, Mississippi; his son, JohnGordon Hayes (Ashden) of Oxford, Mississippi; and his three sisters, Faye LaFisca (Mike), Hazel Burgoyne (Bob), and Pam Allen (Jim), all of Louisiana. He also leaves behind cherished grandchildren, Gabryella Tamara Hawkins, Victor Ladell Hawkins, Christin John Hayes, Lennox Steele Hayes, and Lachlan Stone Hayes, along with two great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Kentrell Hawkins and Novah Deloris Hawkins. He also leaves behind a bonus daughter, whom he loved like his own, Kelly Tweedle, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Cleveland Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 PM in the Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Reverend Chris Gentry.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital at stjude.org.

Cleveland Funeral Home is honored to assist Robert’s family during this difficult time as they remember and celebrate his life.