Lester Ray Hayes

Lester Ray Hayes, 87, of Durham, North Carolina, passed away, surrounded by his family on January 6, 2026, after many courageous health battles over the years. He was born on September 23, 1938, in the Bentonville Community in Johnson County, NC, to the late Carlie “Sam” and Alice Thornton Hayes.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his infant daughter, his sisters Dixie Hoskin, Elsie Dudley, and Dorothy Smith, his great-grandson Easton Ferrell, and his beloved dogs and pals, Ranger and Rayfus.

Mr. Hayes retired from Hare Pipeline after over 30 years of service as a Welder and Foreman. Lester was a devout Christian and true believer. He was a longtime member of Smith Chapel Baptist Church, where he also served as a deacon. Recently, he had been attending Riverside Baptist Church.

Lester enjoyed fishing and going to the mountains. Most often, you would find him “tinkering” in the garage, working on lawnmowers, tractors, or anything that needed to be fixed. He also enjoyed watching wrestling in the evenings. However, the grandkids were the apple of his eye. He was always looking forward to them coming to visit, especially the youngest ones.

Mr. Hayes was a mentally and physically strong man. He utilized those strengths to serve faithfully as a servant of God and as a provider for his family. His big heart was always willing to help anyone in need. Lester will be remembered for so many qualities that will be passed on for generations to come. The Backbone of our family will be deeply missed.

Lester is survived by his wife of 45 years, Billie Hayes; son, Ray Hayes (Lavonda); daughter, Janet Pridgen (Dennis); step-son, Lawerance Rackely (Susan); sister, Daisy Tyndall, and a nephew he was very close to Willard Smith: grandchildren, Mindy Eubanks (Shane) and their 3 children, Crystal Parker (Tracy) and their 8 children, Tonya Watson and her 4 children, Brandie Hayes, Toney Watson (Amber) and 6 children, Brittany Strickland (Justin) and their 2 children, Sarah Gurry (Michael) and their 5 children, CJ Tant (Solange) and their 3 children, Stephanie Rackley and her son, and Dennis Pridgen, Jr.; 2 great great grandchildren and numerous other loving family members and friends.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Hudson Funeral Home, 211 S. Miami Blvd., Durham, NC 27703.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Hudson Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Markham Memorial Gardens in Chapel Hill, NC. Pastor Chase Greene and Pastor David Bolick will officiate.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Toney Watson, Justin Strickland, Christopher Carter, Ryan Eubanks, Dylan Bryant, and Dennis Pridgen Jr.

Flowers are acceptable, or donations may be made in Lester’s memory to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org or the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org.