Bernie Hayes

Family will receive friends on Monday May 9, 2016 at Mt. Ennon Baptist Church, 9832 Piscataway Rd, Clinton, MD 20735 visitation from 10 am until time of service at 11am. Interment at Maryland Veterans, Cheltenham Bernie Hayes Sr. was born on June 18, 1947 in Washington, DC. Bernie was escorted to glory to spend eternity with Jesus Christ on Friday, April 29, 2016 at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC. Bernie was educated in the DC public school system and graduated from Eastern High School in June of 1965. Bernie’s first marriage was to Cynthia James and from their union produced one son, Bernie Hayes,Jr. He met his true love, Gale D. Wallace in 1981. On his birthday, June 18 in 1992, they married andjoined as one. Bernie began his career as a military police officer. He fought in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged from his career in the military. He then started his career at the US Postal Service as a mail clerk where he worked for 37 years. Bernie officially retired in 2003 and as a retiree, dedicated his days to his wife, children and grandchildren. Bernie rededicated his life and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior and became a member of Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in 2011. Bernie was a loving father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was affectionately known to his grandchildren as “pop pop”. All that knew Bernie, knew he was the number one fan of the Dallas Cowboys. When he wasn't watching football or sitting on the porch enjoying the breeze, Bernie could be found on the grill making his famous mesquite bbq ribs. Bernie spared no expense making everyone happy. His favorite pastime was sitting on the porch enjoying the sunlight and reading a good book. He also enjoyed long drives and road trips taken with family and friends. Bernie will always be remembered for that incredible smile, that unforgettable laugh, and his favorite sayings “whamo” and “that is the pitts”. Bernie is survived by his loving wife, Gale; son, Bernie Jr (Valerie), son, Nelson (Tiffany), daughter, Nelsheika, two grandsons, Bernie III and Romique, seven granddaughters, Nyjah, Romiah, Nyaee’, Nysiyah, Mya, Nylah, Tamya, a loving mother-in–law, Delphine Greenlee (Philadelphia), sister-in-law Amy Greenlee (Vernon) (Washington, DC), three loving aunts, Emma Sloan (Tacoma, Washington), Francis Bryant (Philadelphia) and Jacquelyn Mattox (Philadelphia) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Bernie Hayes

June 18, 1947 - April 29, 2016