William "Bill" Stewart Hayes, a respected business leader and dedicated community servant, passed away peacefully in his home on April 29, 2023, at the age of 81. Bill was born March 7, 1942 to Duncan and Lola Stewart in Hampton, Virginia. When his parents died, he was adopted and raised by Laura Lewis Hayes and her husband Dan Hayes.

Bill began working part time washing cars at what was then known as Poquoson Motors when he was around twelve years old. After graduating from Hampton High School in 1961, where he lettered in football, he became a full-time employee at Poquoson Motors. In 1965 he became a new car sales manager, continued to build a successful career in the car industry, eventually graduating from the School of Dealership Management at the Chrysler Institute in Detroit.  He soon became an owner and President of Pomoco Auto Group and helped build it into one of the largest car dealership groups in Virginia.

Throughout his life, Bill was known for his commitment to the community. He was recognized by and a member of numerous important local and regional organizations. He was named Newport News Citizen of the Year in 2014 for his many years of service and leadership in the Southeast Community. He was a regular participant in the annual Southeast Community Day Parade and Festival, where he served as a sponsor and partner for over thirteen years.

Bill's life was also complemented by the love for his family and lifelong friends.  He is survived by his wife Brenda Joyce Hayes; their daughter Laura Hayes Chalk and husband Jared Chalk, and their son Stewart; his son Shanon Hayes and wife Suzanne, and their children Brayden and Taylor; his daughter Karen Morris and husband Ken, and their daughters Reed and Lindsay; Donald Faulkner and wife Susan; and Jason Faulkner and his children Brianna, William, Kaleigh and Emily.

The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 AM Monday, May 8, 2023 at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home with a celebration of his life beginning at 11:00.

The family will be forever grateful to Lawanda Jones, June Amizi and all of the caretakers for their loving care, friendship, and loyalty. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to An Achievable Dream or International Cooperating Ministries (ICM). Gifts can be mailed to ICM at 1901 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA.