Gary Ray Hayes, 73, of Sweet Home passed away Thursday April 4, 2024. He was born March 29, 1951 to Raymond and Vivian (Parker) Hayes in Oraville, California.

He moved to Oregon in 1996. Lived in New York for a year and back to Albany in 2006 then moved to Sweet Home in 2019.

Gary worked as a general contractor for motels and was a cook for a family restaurant. He enjoyed camping, riding motor bikes and liked to drink.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Zelfern Hayes of Sweet Home, two children: Raymond G. Hayes of Sweet Home and Shelly M. Hayes of Albany, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Preceded in death by grandson William R. Johnson. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com.