Willie James "Spanky" Hayes, Jr. was born March 15, 1969 to the late Willie James Hayes, Sr. and Shirley Smalls Hayes.  Spanky, as he was known, transitioned on November 29, 2021 at his home.

Spanky was a dedicated husband, brother, uncle and cousin.  He loved baseball, softball and college football.  He was the Vice President of the Metro Softball League and Coached Elko Swamp Gators Softball Team.

Cherishing beautiful memories are:  his wife, Iesha Williams Hayes; one sister, Betty Smalls; three brothers, Garry Hayes, Ricky Hayes and Robert (Rosie) Hayes; mother-in-law, Barbara Patterson; father-in-law, Isaac Wright; four brothers-in-law, Darrell Williams, James Williams, Isaac Williams and Joseph Williams; two sisters-in-law, Travin Davis and Tiesha Davis; four uncles, Minister Terry Smalls, Edward (Essie) Smalls, Raphael Smalls and Rafael Smalls; five aunts, Mattie James, Janice Smalls, Catherine (AL) Washington, Jacquelyn Govan and Vanchesta (Marion) Stewart.  Spanky also has a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends that will always cherish his memories.