Obituary: Hayes, Charles Washington Lorenzo, Jr.
Age 65
He departed this life peacefully in the presence of his family on February 17, 2013 in Spokane, WA.
Those, who loved and knew him as a friend called him Charlie, in 1963, Charles moved to Morganville, NJ with his mother and family.
In 1965, Charles graduated from Madison Township High School in Old Bridge, NJ where he received a full athletic and academic scholarship to Washington State University majoring in English.
He was drafted into the United States Army where he served in the Vietnam War for the 1st Air Calvary division as a platoon leader.
In 1971, Army Sargent Charles W.L.
Hayes received an honorable discharge and was awarded the prestigious ‘Purple Heart’ for injuries sustained in battle and dedication given to his country.
He returned to WSU in 1972 where he met Sherry L. Johnson and was united in holy matrimony on October 16, 1976.
To this union, two beautiful children were born, Lorenzo and Simone.
Charlie remained in Washington State and worked for Spokane County for many years.
He eventually went to work for the Southside Senior Activity Center until his illness prevented him from working.
Charlie had a passion for writing poetry and sharing his poems with all those he came into contact with.
He will be remembered and missed.
Charlie leaves to celebrate his home going and to cherish his memory: One son, Lorenzo Lamont Hayes and one daughter, Simone Latrice Hayes, both residing in Kent, WA.
His dear mother, Edith L. Hayes of Perth Amboy, NJ; four sisters: Edith L. Francis of Marina, CA; Charlotte Hayes of Perth Amboy, NJ; Martha Hayes of Spokane, WA; and Jacqueline Jackson of Lakewood, WA.
Five brothers: Horace Hayes of Perth Amboy, NJ; George Hayes of Philadelphia, PA; Reginald Hayes of Phoenix, AZ; Albert Gardner of W. Des Moines, IA; and Rev Samuel Hayes of Marina, CA.
Charles was a devoted grandfather to six grandchildren: Tion, Kylla, Nia, Charles (CJ), Keelyna and Charlotte whom he visited often.
He also leaves to cherish his memories 30 nieces and nephews, 54 grand nieces and nephews, six great-grand nieces and nephews, a host of cousins and friends and a dear friend, Robert Jackson of Spokane, Washington.
Visitation will be held at Ball & Dodd Funeral Home, Friday, February 22, from 2pm until 8pm.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 23, 2013 1pm at the Calvary Baptist Church, 203 E. 3rd Ave., Spokane, WA 99202.
Reception will follow at the Emanuel Life Center, 605 S. Richard Allen Court, Spokane, WA 99202.
Interment Eastern Washington Veterans Cemetery.