Charles Eugene “Bud” Hayes Sr., age 87, of Tellico Plains, TN, passed away peacefully Monday, October 26, 2026, at Blount Memorial Hospital with his loving family by his side.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Frances Hayes, infant brother, Robert Hayes and sister, Peggy Miler.

Bud was a man of strong faith and hard work. He was a dedicated member of the Starr Mountain Church of Christ and took great pride in giving back to his community. He served for years as a volunteer firefighter for the Conasauga Fire Department. Bud believed in the value of always looking out for his neighbors. For a decade, Bud and Mattie worked with their two sons, Chuck and Alan, as the owners and operators of Hayes Sweet Shop in Tellico Plains. He was also a highly respected welder for Herman Johnson for many years. Outside of his work, Bud was a skilled mechanic who spent many hours of his free time restoring old cars. Above all Bud’s achievements, his greatest blessing on this Earth was his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Bud will be missed by all who knew him. The family would like to thank Blount Memorial nurses and staff for the tender care and compassion they gave Bud during his final days.

He is survived by his wife of 66 loving years, Mattie Ann Stewart Hayes; sons and daughters-in-law, Chuck and Vanessa Hayes, Alan and Clarissa Hayes; grandchildren and spouses, Brent and Shelby Hayes, Breanna and Tyler Williams, Alexa and Bradey Kucker; great-grandchildren, Brynn, Kennedy, and one sweet baby on the way due in April; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 29, 2026 at Myers Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel with Minister Jerud Blake officiating. Family and friends will assemble at Brown Hill Cemetery at 12:00 noon, Friday, October 30, 2026 for the committal service with Minister Jeff Archey officiating.