Robert Arnold Hayes 's Obituary
The Service will be held at
Thessalonia Missionary Church
223 Triplett Rd, Crawfordville, FL 32327
on Saturday, September 26th at 2 pm. Following the service will be a picnic at Wakulla Springs State Park. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Thessalonia Missionary Church 223 Triplett Rd, Crawfordville, FL 32327
or Bobby's Grandsons School.
Salt Meadow School 6124 Crestwood Ave, Sarasota Fl. 34231
Robert A. Hayes November 4th 1948- August 26th 2015. Bob Hayes left on his final voyage at sunrise on Wednesday August 26th. He took his last breath in the cabin, that he built, with his own two hands. On the land that he raised his family on. Aside him, was his Devoted wife of 40 years and Mother of his Children. As well as his son, sister and brother in heart. Bobby was an exceptional Human Being and pillar in his community. Bobby, was born in the fall of 1948, to Mr and Mrs Robert A. Hayes in Oceanside California. He was his Mother's heart and his Father's only son. Bobby grew up surfing, wrestling and playing baseball. He was born to be an athlete. Alongside him were his three incredible little sisters. Donna, Edie and Peggy Ann. In the early 70s Bobby made his way to the sunshine state and after meeting the love of his life Jamie one sunny day, in the little Central Florida town of Clermont. They decided to set sail on many adventures throughout the next few years. Sailing around the carrbiean and working as sponge divers and commercial fishermen in Tarpon Springs. They were blessed beyond measure with amazing friends. And in July of 1975 they said I do, on a ship at Sunset, aside Anclote Key. Surrounded by flowers, sponges, the glistening sea, sweet friends, loving family and more support than conceivable. Next the Happy Hayes headed west to a magical place we call the Florida Keys and In September of 1981 they welcomed their 1st Son. A Beautiful Boy they named Robert Ira. They lived in Marathon on their 29' Sailboat "The Kristy". Spending their days Working, Fishing and Swimming with the Dolphins. Eventually, they decided to move North to the enchanted land off Wakulla. And In April of 1983 they Welcomed their Darling Daughter Kaylah August. Along side the Saint Marks River they lived, a place they felt at home. They were encompassed with divine friend that treated them like family and they knew this area, would be their forever home . They lived, laughed and loved on the Kristy and House boat for a short while. Before they decided to buy their Home Land. They didn't start with much and even had to build a well to get water. But, that never stopped Bobby, for he was a Real Man. Bobby took being a Father as the most serious of tasks. And his focuse was on providing the best life for his family. He worked very hard throughout the years and eventually obtained his General Contractor License. His busieness was more than a job. He was passionate about his work. He respected and loved his crew like they were his family. His company grew and he was highly respected for the master brick and block mason that he was. Being hired for projects at such buildings as the Governors Mansion, Florida State University Stadium, Famu as well as our States Capital. Bobby's path was to first be honest and fair. A true democratic hero. As his children grew he provided them with every opportunity imaginable. Each brick and block he layed on top of the other, was for the bright future he strived to provide for them. Bobby spent his evenings coaching his sons baseball teams for years on end. Because, Having a son truly meant the world to him. He never missed a game, piano or ballet recital. And not even once was a guys night out even on the table. His family was his ALL and each day he proved it. If there was only one being in the room or in the stands, it was sure to be this great man. With cement on his hands, a baseball cap on his head and a proud expression on his face. He was sure made to be a DAD! The years were spent In dedication to his family. He taught his children how to Surf, Play Ball, Be Honest and Kind. He had an impeccable way of conveying the TRUTH. He always lead by example and equality was his fate. After his children went off to college he had more time for his passions. So he joined a baseball team and bought a beautiful Sail Boat, that he called her "The Arabella". He met some extraordinary friends for life on that field. And proved to everyone that you don't stop playing because you get old. You get old because you stop playing. Bobby sailed to the Bahamas again. And had the pleasure of spending time with generous friends and his love on the islands. And than a dream come true he and Jamie had the opportunity to travel to Portugal, Spain and Ireland, his Mother's home land. In the last decade of Bobbys life. He also had the honor of hosting his Daughter and Son in Hearts unforgettable wedding. He walked his little girl down the ocean sand and they both wept with gratitude. He gave a speach that exemplified what a magnificent Father he had always been. Bobby was there to welcome each of his Four Grandsons "Corey Hayes, Zaden Keyze, Finly Cruso and Bodhi Kiran" to this beautiful world. They call him their Bapa and Love him More than imaginable.You must be a stand up Man, when two out of four of grandsons are named in your honor. Bobby was able to complete another adventure and long time dream, as he sailed to Cuba, Belize, Guatemala and Mexico. Solo on his Arabella. He embarked on a life changing sail trip home with his son Ira, that they feared may have been their last. Bobby spent the years traveling up the coast to spend time with his family. For each Birthday, Thanksgiving and special event. He would read the night before christmas each December 24th. And laugh that glorious laugh as his grandsons would kiss and crawl all over him. On April 23rd, 2015' his eldest Grandsons decade old birthday. Our hearts stopped when we found out that, that past Christmas would be his last. He took the news like a Chief. And I will never forget how strong he was in the Doctors office that day. His desire was to let go with dignity and love the entire way. Not holding on to the last few drops of rain. For his life had been filled with Monumentose Oceans. He was satisfied with his legacy and his 66 trips around the sun. He said he would live on thru the lives of his Grandsons. His only regret was not being able to teach his littlest grandson B how to play catch. If you knew Bobby well, you would know what a empathetic loving soul he was. Although he looked tough and was incredibly strong. He had the heart of a saint, mind of a philanthropist, and soul of a sage. He was a poetic writer and always willing to share his truths, with anyone and everyone that was willing to listen. He never played the busy game And he always had time for us. Not only his family and friends, but anyone that was in need of a hand. The last summer we spent with this remarkable Man. Said everything about who he had always been. They say that you die like you have lived and this could not be more true. Bobby spent his last months, giving and receiving love, kindness and respect. He counted his blessings and made his mends with others. Kissing his grandsons and saying I love yous till the end. He is the most dignified brilliant Being in all of the Land. One thing is for sure, Bobby will never cease to exist. FOR HE IS the DIVINE COMPASS THAT LIVES WITHIN US. A Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Son and True Friend. A keeper of the light and our Eternal Wise Man. Bobby will now be in peace with his Mother and Father as well as his sister in love, Kristy. Bobby lives on in many hearts. Including the love of his Life Jamie Lou. Thank you for cooking my eggs in the morning and standing by my side till my last breath. She filled his life with so much happiness and love. I know He will be waiting on the eternal island until she finds her way home. His Brilliant Boy Ira, who was no doubt his pride and joy. It is because of him that he became a true man. His Blessed Daughter Kaylah August, whom will always see him as the saint that he is. He called her the pebble in the water and she will carry his light till the very end. His son in love Jonathan Clark, who he always called a stand up Man. He would ask where such a wonderful guy could possibly come from...His Grandsons, Corey the courageous star, Sweet Zaden, his forever love. Finly the master of this universe, and Prince Bodhi our enlightened one. His baby sister Peggy Ann, that held his heart and hand till the very end. She always put a smile on his face when she walked in. His brother in love John Hurley who is a heck of a Man, he stayed with him till the end. His excusite sister Edie, who really understood his all encompassing world view. And Dear Donna Lee his Irish twin, who loved him like no other. His Mother In love, Gloria Lou. Always a soft place to just be you. His sister in hearts Diana and Tracey. And all of his amazing nieces, nephews, and now great nieces and nephews too. To his cousins especially Kurt. They have filled his life with incredible moments. To his Soul Brothers Ali, Taso, Bob B and Bill. You four are the brothers he always wanted. A special thank you to Bill, whom was their playing sweet music till the final inning....He was Forever grateful for that kind of friend. And to all of the miraculous friends Bobby has met along his great path. You are the ones that kept him afloat in the drift. In the Words of my Father "No One Cares Where you've Been, only where you are going" I Will Say that is not true. We all care that we've spent all of these years with you.
May my Father live in each of you. May you Give Freely, Love Generously, Speak Truthfully, Live Fearlessly and just try to be HuMAne. I love you like the lilies Daddy. Your girl, Kaylah August
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?