Lemuel "Lem" Hayes

Evans Funeral Home of Jefferson announces the death of Mr. Lemuel "Lem" Hayes, age 70, of Hoschton, Georgia who entered rest peacefully on Friday May 24, 2024, following several months of challenging health battles. Lemuel was born in Winder and raised in Jackson County, a son of the late Mark Henry Hayes and the late Marion (Peggy) Skinner Hayes. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and love for his family and community. In addition to his parents, Lem was preceded in death by his brother, Mark Kenton Hayes.

Lem was a member of 12Stone Church in Braselton, Georgia.

From his youth, Lem excelled academically, graduating as Valedictorian from Jackson County High School. He went on to earn a degree in Agriculture from the University of Georgia, where his pride in his alma mater was especially evident in his unwavering support for Georgia Bulldogs Football.

Lem’s life was marked by meaningful connections and entrepreneurial spirit. He met Cheryl while they were both working at Food Giant in Winder, GA. Their love blossomed, and they were married on Lake Hartwell near Tugalo State Park in June of 1984. Their 35-year marriage was a testament to love, support, and hard work, as they navigated career changes, built multiple businesses, and raised their two sons, Matthew and Marcus. Though they eventually parted ways, Lem and Cheryl remained close friends and business partners. 

Lem’s career journey was diverse and dynamic. After many years in the grocery business and the closure of Food City, Lem transitioned into the poultry industry at Wayne Farms, where he dedicated ten years of service. His entrepreneurial drive led him to a brief stint in advertising with Super Saver magazine before he ultimately founded Garbage Hound Sanitation in 2002.

Despite his professional commitments, Lem always found time to enjoy the outdoors. He loved water skiing and deer hunting in his younger years, later embracing fishing and boating as favorite pastimes. Lem took great pleasure in the natural beauty of North Georgia, finding relaxation and joy at Lake Hartwell.

Lem is survived by his sons, Marcus Hayes of San Francisco, CA and Matthew Lemuel Hayes of Nashville, mother of his children, Cheryl Lyn Layer Hayes of Hoschton; brothers, Wendell Hayes and his wife Patty of Hoschton, Jim Hayes of Hoschton; sisters, Claire Maddox and her husband Elton of Gainesville and Rexine Howard of Adairsville; numerous nieces and their families, cousins, and friends also survive.

Lem will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will love on through the many lives he touched."

Memorial services will be held 7:00 P.M. Sunday, June 2, 2024 from the Chapel of Evans Funeral Home with Reverend David Ash officiating.  The family will receive friends 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. prior to the service at Evans Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to At the Cross Ministries, PO Box 164, Braselton, GA 30517, or via Venmo to "@thecrossministries"."

Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia.  706-367-5467          Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com