GAINESVILLE - A man known for his devotion to youth athletic activities in Gainesville has died.<br />
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Abbott Hayes, 67, passed away at his home Sunday following a three-year bout with cancer.<br />
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During most of his adult life, Hayes was a volunteer baseball coach, first with the Hall County Boys Club senior little leagues and then as an assistant coach and general manager of the Gainesville Travelers' Summer team. He was a devoted supporter of the athletic programs at Gainesville High School and the University of Georgia. <br />
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He was a lifelong member of the Gainesville First United Methodist Church, where his father, the late Rev. Zach C. Hayes, was formerly senior minister. <br />
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A memorial service will be held at the Gainesville First United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. Wednesday, with visitation to follow in the Gathering Room. <br />
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(A full obituary can be found on the obituaries page on this Web site).
