Fred Hayes

Fred M. Hayes made his final flight west on April 8, 2012. He died peacefully at home with his family. Fred was born on July 6, 1937 in Brooklyn, New York, but spent most of his childhood in Mobile, Alabama. After graduating from McGill Institute in Mobile, Fred attended Mississippi Southern University in Hattisburg, MS. During his college stay Fred applied for and was accepted into the Air Force Aviation Cadet program. This was where he received his flight training that would form the basis for the rest of his life. Flying was his passion. After graduating from the Cadet program Fred was commissioned in the US Air Force where he served as a B-47 pilot. After an honorable discharge from the Air Force Fred spent one year in the US Coast Guard flying search and rescue in seaplanes. Fred was hired as a pilot by United Airlines June 30, 1964. He flew for United 33 years, retiring July 1, 1997. Fred continued flying his Baron in general aviation after retirement. Fred also had a passion for woodworking. He was generally found in his workshop on his days off. He was a self-taught woodworker but his talent ranged from construction building to cabinet making to furniture artist to toymaker. For Fred, family was very important. He was a fine husband and a very loving father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Bonnie; his daughter Marie; his son Roger; and four grandchildren. Fred always had a wacky sense of humor and loved to make people laugh or lighten the mood. Everyone who knew him well has lots of stories of the antics he pulled, all in good fun. Fred will be remembered and missed by all.