LANCASTER, SC ~ Rev. James Buford Hayes went to his heavenly home on November 12, 2023. He was born October 14, 1935, in Greenville SC, a son of the late Clyde H. Hayes and Louise Doggett Hayes. He was married 60 years to the love of his life, Nancy Vivian Watts Hayes. He was a Blue Hurricane football player, springs mill worker, reservist in the US Army, vocational teacher at Andrew Jackson and Lancaster High schools, and southern Baptist minister. But most importantly he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and a Godly example to all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughter, Tammy H. McAteer (Alan); his son, Kevin B. Hayes; grandson, Stewart A. McAteer (Jody); three great grandchildren, Luke, Chloe, and Claire; two sisters, Barbara H. Knight and Sandra H. Jenkins; and a brother, Richard "Rick" Hayes.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian; his sister Norma H. Blackmon; and brothers, Bill Hayes, Roy Hayes and Rev. Gary Hayes.

The Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Hayes will be 2:00 pm Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Second Baptist Church Lancaster officiated by Rev. Donald Tillman and Rev. David Carlton. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice & Community Care, 2275 India Hook Rd, Rock Hill SC 29732 or hospicecommunitycare.org.