David B. Hayes

David Brian Hayes, known affectionately as David to his loved ones, was a beacon of light and love to everyone he encountered. Born on July 31, 1959, to the late John Andrew Hayes Sr. and Lillian Balkman Hayes, in the heart of New Jersey, David's journey through life was one marked by joy, passion, and an unwavering commitment to living authentically. His sudden departure from this world on February 10, 2024, in Dothan, Alabama, has left a void that is deeply felt by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

David's life was a testament to the power of love and the importance of family. His significant other, Erica Lane, stood by his side as a partner in every sense of the word, sharing in both his dreams and his everyday moments. His legacy lives on through his daughters, Adrienne Hayes and Nyla Hayes, and by his son, David Brian Hayes Jr., who will forever cherish the countless memories and lessons imparted by their father. He particularly cherished the time he had caring for his mother during the last 12 years of her life. His mother and father were beacons of strength and love that instilled in him the importance of family.

Educated in New Jersey, David carried with him not just the knowledge from his books but also the spirit of his hometown, which shaped him into the man he became. His professional life was marked by dedication and service, as he worked diligently with UPS, earned his A & P License, and owned and operated his own business as an automotive detailer for many clients in the area, a reflection of his meticulous nature and commitment to excellence.

But David was much more than his professional achievements. He was a man who loved deeply and lived fully. His love for beautiful young women was matched by his love for his friends, whom he enjoyed spending time with, whether it was dancing the night away or engaging in heartfelt conversations. His daughter Nyla was the apple of his eye, and their time together was filled with joy and laughter. David's pride and joy, his Chevrolet SS Impala, was a symbol of his attention to detail — always gleaming, always ready for the next adventure.

David's forthright nature was one of his most defining traits. He never shied away from speaking his truth, embodying the adage, "Love is not what you say, but what you do." His big heart and gentle spirit made him a friend to all, and his loving, friendly demeanor was a comfort to those around him.

David will be laid to rest at 2 pm on Monday, February 19, 2024, at Gates of Heaven Cemetery. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel from 1-2 pm, sharing stories and honoring the man who touched so many lives.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." David Brian Hayes embodied this sentiment, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and genuine friendship that will continue to inspire those who knew him.

David's life encourages us all to be a little more loving, a little more genuine, and to always remember that our actions speak louder than our words. As we say goodbye to a man who was not just present in life but fully alive, we carry forward the light he shone so brightly. David Brian Hayes will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to motivate us to live life to the fullest, just as he did.

Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com