Ernest Doctor Hayes, Sr. affectionately known as “Doc” was one of four children born June 5,1926 in Mecklenburg County to the late Rev. George and Fannie Hayes. On December 20, 2021, Ernest departed this life surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his wife Catherine E. Hayes, his brother James Hayes, sisters Elizabeth Cousins and Mary Jackson
At an early age he and his family moved to Henrico County. In 1935 at the age of nine, he confessed Christ as his lord and savior and was baptized in Echo Lake (Henrico County). He became a member of Saint Mark Baptist Church in Glen Allen Virginia, under the leadership of the late Rev. Isaiah Perley. He received his education in the county of Henrico, attending Coal Pit Elementary and Virginia Randolph

High School and at the age of 70 he received a diploma from ICS Newport High School on December 8, 1997.
On May 1, 1945, at the age of 18, he entered the U.S. Army where he served in the United States and Japan in World War II. In 1947 he received an honorable discharge. Ernest met Catherine E. Carter, and on August 6, 1950, the late Rev. M.W. Rainey married them. In 1958 he became a member of the Brown Grove Baptist Church and in 1961 he was ordained as a deacon and later serve as a Trustee and Dedicated Sunday school teacher.

He stresses that you need to know for yourself and not depend on others. “Train the hands as well as the head.” A motto of the Late Mrs. Virginia Randolph.
He was employed at Hygrade Meat packing Inc., Richfood Inc., and Safeway Stores Inc., until he retired in May 1987. After retirement he worked for H.W. Dabney Funeral Home and Owens Funeral Services. He is Past Master of the Pride of Hanover Masonic Lodge #264, where he served for over 60 years. He was instrumental in the startup of three lodges leading many brothers to the Third Degree of Masonry. The recreation hall at Pride of Hanover Lodge 264 is now named the “Ernest Doctor Hayes Hall” in his honor.

Deacon Hayes enjoyed gardening, an occasional baseball game, attending Sunday school and quality time with his family and those that are close to him. He enjoyed hours on his screen porch reading his bible, newspaper and talking with his family, church family and many friends who referred to him as “Doc”, “Pop” and “My Deacon Hayes.”
He leaves to cherish his memory, five children: Jacqueline and Berdie Hayes, Shirley Murchison, Ernestine Hall and Ernest Hayes, Jr., Two son- in laws: John Allen Murchison Jr. and Robert (Jay) Hall.

Seven Grandchildren: Eric Hayes (Shantae), Ka’ea Murchison Waldrop (Phillip), Yolanda Murchison, Aaron (Ann) and Austin Hall, Ethan and Emani Hayes. Three Step Grandchildren: Tasha Hayden, James Murchison and Loreale Baugh. Nine Great Grandchildren: Kai, Eliot, Gannon, and Asher Waldrop, Nicholas Scarborough, La’Nya and Serenity Harvard, Zorii and Londyn Hayden. Two sister- in -laws: Annie and Polly Carter, 2 brother- in- laws: Harry Carter, Jr and Ellis Harris. Special friends Richard Braxton and Brent Lumpkin. Many nieces, nephews, and other friends.