Robert Hayes, Jr.

Robert Lee Hayes, Jr., (Bob) passed away on February 8, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. He was born in Sarasota, Florida on June 17, 1926, oldest son of Colonel Robert Lee Hayes and Wenonah McDaniel. Upon graduation from the University of Florida, he completed the US Army's Officer Candidate School and was subsequently commissioned a Second Lieutenant. Later, he was deployed to the Republic of Korea in 1950 at the beginning of the Korean War with the famed 27th infantry ("Wolfhounds"), 24th Infantry Division. He saw extensive combat, and was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star for gallantry. After his honorable discharge at Fort Benning, Georgia, he met and married his wife of 60 years, Georgia Cosby (Punky). Settling in Columbus, Georgia, he worked for the Royal Crown Cola Company as a marketing executive, and later earned his investment brokerage license and worked as an investment manager for both the Robinson-Humphrey Company and Merrill-Lynch. He was a man of abiding faith, and was active in Trinity Episcopal Church, serving on the vestry as well as mentoring the church acolytes. While living in Columbus, he and Punky raised their two children, Robert Lee Hayes III (Colonel, US Marine Corps, Retired) and Ellen Hayes Arnold. He and Punky retired to Amelia Island, Florida, where he was active in the Fernandina Beach Rotary Club, serving as President, and was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church. In 2007, they relocated to Winter Park. He was devoted to his wife, children; daughter-in-law, Susan; six grandchildren: Ashley, Carly, Christie, Robby, Kathleen, and Julie; a great granddaughter, Savannah; his brother, Charles Hayes and his wife Shirley, and his nieces and nephews. He was beloved, respected, and admired by his family and a legion of friends and colleagues. A memorial service will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Winter Park at 1 PM on February 17. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All Saints Church or Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements entrusted to Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home.

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