Rodney Eugene Hayes, Sr., the son of Tonny and Ruby Lene (Hendricks) Hayes, was born on Tuesday, March 21, 1972 at Jacksonville Navy Air Station. He was a 1991 graduate of Clay High School, Green Cove Springs. He was of the baptist faith and was baptized at New Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in 1985. Later, he became a member of Transformed Life Church of God, Groveland. He was employed as a Truck Driver for 25 years. Rodney enjoyed fishing, listening to music, and dancing.

Rodney is preceded in eternal rest by his uncles, Lewis Hendricks, Jerome Hendricks; and aunts, Louise Hendricks, Sherlene Garner.

Rodney Eugene Hayes, Sr. entered the sunset of life on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Jacksonville.

He leaves to cherish his memories: wife, Latoya Hayes; parents, Tonny and Ruby Hayes; daughter, Rochell Hayes; sons, Ryan Hayes, Rodney Hayes, Jr.; brother, Shaunn Hayes; sisters, Kanisha Elmore, Rosalind Hayes, Sheila Kiner; nieces and nephews, Mya Leverston, Makiah Leverston, Mariah Leverston, Marissa Leverston, Breasia Elmore, Tatyanna Smith, Kevin Jones III, Tahj Smith, Aundrea Clark, Cattoya Cotten; aunts and uncles, Etta Hendricks, Audrey Hendricks, Diane Green, Darlene Hendricks, Ervin Hendricks; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tony and Doris Leverston; sister-in-law, Kiana Leverston; goddaughter, Sha’Nia Rendell; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.