James Edwin "Moose" Hayes

James Edwin (Moose) Hayes, 87, of Meigs County went to be with the Lord on December 15, 2024.

Moose was an avid "piddler" and loved working on anything with a motor. He loved telling stories and always had a good one ready. He will be dearly missed.

Preceded in death by wife, Wanda Mae Crabtree Hayes; father and step mother, Reuben and Arlene Hayes; step father and mother, Fred and Willie Mae Ledford; brother, Billy Dean Hayes; step brother, Charles Ledford; and step sister, Louise Ledford Benson.

Survivors include his long time companion, Rita Lenker; sons, Michael and Jeffrey Hayes; bonus son, Joey Lenker; grandchildren, Stephanie Carpenter; step brother, Jimmy Ledford; nieces and nephews, Mark Hayes and Deana Ann Hayes; great nephews, Tommy and Andy Hayes, Clay and Cameron Johnson; many cousins, nieces, nephews and other special family members.

The family will receive friends on Saturday December 21, 2024 at Companion Funeral Home of Athens from 10am-12pm. The funeral service will follow at 12:00pm. A graveside service will take place at Pisgah Cemetery in Decatur, TN following the funeral service.

You are encouraged to share a memory of Moose and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist his family with these arrangements.