Edison Oliver Hayes, 87, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.  Born in North Carolina to parents Thomas and Ethel Hayes; he had been a Hampton resident for many years.  Edison spent his entire career in service to his country, serving active-duty Army, and retiring from the National Guard as a Brigadier General in 1995.  He earned his bachelor's degree and was a true workaholic until he retired.  Edison loved to read, served as a Deacon at First Calvary Baptist Church Hampton and spent many dedicated hours helping at the church.  He also enjoyed going out to breakfast and was happy to do that every morning if he could.

Preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Charles Frank Hayes, Sr. and Thomas O. Hayes, Jr.; half-brother Thomas Hayes; and brother-in-law, Abbie Lane; he leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Georgia Mae Hayes; his sons, Thomas Wilson Hayes (Danette) and David Anthony Hayes (Kristina); brother, Michael Eugene Hayes (Gisela); grandchildren, Megan Hayes (Kenny) and Kasey Hayes (Vladimir), Sam Pollard (Beth), April Larkin (Brian), Ellen Waters (Wesley), and Todd Johnson (Madison); great-grandchildren, Bryce, Enzo and Luka, as well as Noah, Mia, Emma, Will, Madison, Hadley, Claire, and Annie; brothers-in-law, DW Lane (Lorene) and Larry Hoffman (Vicky); sister-in-law, Peggy Hayes; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as longtime friend, Jack Harrell.

A funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, downtown Hampton, officiated by Pastor Philip Harper.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1 – 2 PM at the funeral home.  Interment will follow the service at Parklawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Victory at Calvary Baptist Church, 445 Shelton Road, Hampton, VA 23663 or the St. Joseph Indian School, St. Joseph's Indian School, PO Box 100, Chamberlain, SD 57325; a charity that was near to Edison's heart. (I will put a clickable link on our website for folks to donate online)