Mesothelioma - Gautier Councilman Passes
Bobby Lee Hayes, former Gautier Councilman passed away on Thursday, January 25, at his home in Gautier. He was 81. Jane Hayes, his wife, said that he had been diagnosed with mesothelioma six months back.
Bob was a longtime resident of Gautier, MS. He served as a past Gautier City Councilman for 4 years. This council established the Gautier Mullet Festival which completed its 16th run in October and drew thousands of festival-goers.
Bob was a 21 year veteran of the US Submarine Service having first served his country in WWII, aboard the submarine USS PLAICE SS-390. He completed his Naval career as Chief of the Boat on the USS Entemedor SS 340. Bob continued his career in shipbuilding at Ingalls-Sup Ships, Bender - New Orleans and Electric Boat - Groton, CT. He also helped establish the Tullibee Submarine Memorial in Ocean Springs on the Mississippi Vietnam Memorial Park grounds. Bob also worked as a Teacher's Assistant for Gautier Elementary School for several years.
Those who knew him say former Gautier Councilman Bobby Lee Hayes lived his life defending the city and its people.
Jane Hayes married her late husband 23 years ago after meeting him at a Sunday school class at First Baptist Church in Gautier.
Jane Hayes said that although she knows he is remembered for his political activities, the work he did that made him so well-known was a sign of his love for people.
"If he felt like someone was right, he'd fight for them," Jane Hayes said.
Former councilman Ken Taylor remembered his role in establishing the Gautier Mullet Festival. "It was his idea, and it's grown to become a big festival here," Taylor said.
Gautier Mayor Pete Pope, who was serving as sheriff while Hayes served on the council, described him as "proudly patriotic and a very energetic man."
"He was real outspoken on the council," Pope said.
Alice Cox, who met Hayes first in the 1970s as his neighbor in Seacliffe subdivision, described Hayes as someone who always butted heads with other council members, during and after his own term. However, People respected him, despite disagreeing with him because the debates never became ugly or turned into personal attacks.
He was diagnosed with cancer in August. Jane Hayes remember that doctors said Hayes was only expected to live 6 months after that. He underwent two chemotherapy sessions, but each one landed him in the hospital. The second visit required him to receive several blood transfusions.
Jane Hayes expressed her thanks to people from Vancleave Baptist Church who helped make his final weeks comfortable at home.
