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July 17, 1941 – July 17, 2024

NATCHEZ – Bobby Ray Hayles of Natchez passed away on July 17, 2024, on his 83rd birthday.

Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Laird Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Paul Sutherland of Highland Baptist Church officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from noon until 3 p.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Laird Funeral Home.

The youngest of ten children, Bobby was born to W.T. and Susie Hayles on July 17, 1941, in Winnsboro, LA. He passed away at Riverbridge Specialty Hospital.

Bobby was a proud Veteran of the United States Army and Army National Guard. He was awarded the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon with number one, NCO Professional Development Ribbon with number three, and the Louisiana Emergency Service Medal.  He retired from service in 2001 with an honorable discharge as Sergeant First Class (E7).  He was a Mason.

Bobby was a member of Highland Baptist Church, an avid reader, hunter, and fisherman, and had a strong work ethic. He was employed by Natchez Cable Company and Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company. He also worked numerous construction jobs with his best friend, Thomas Clyde Hancock.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; first wife Jeanette Hayles; infant son, Bobby Ray Hayles, Jr.; stepson, Chris Franks; and son-in-law, Terry Lindsey.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Hayles of Natchez; son, Paul Hayles (Meredith) of Louisville, MS; daughter, Angel Lindsey of Vidalia; stepchildren, Jennifer Comer (Robb), Robert Franks, Jr. (Michelle) and Shan Franks of Natchez; beloved grandchildren, Rachel Lindsey, Mac Lindsey (Jeantry), Braxton Hayles (Rayna), Dalton Hayles, Triston Hayles, Krystal Conerly (Adam), Jeremy Truitt (Kristen), Robert Franks, III, Christopher Franks, Kevin Franks; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friend.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Mac Lindsey, Braxton Hayles, Dalton Hayles, Triston Hayles, Peyton Conerly, Adam Conerly, Jeremy Truitt, Christopher Franks, Kevin Franks, and Robert Franks, III.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Men’s Sunday School Class at Highland Baptist Church and Thommy Hancock.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Rodriguez, Dr. England, and his nurse practitioners, Krystal Conerly, and Frankie Battieaste, and the staff of Riverbridge Specialty Hospital.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.