William Howard "Hoppy" Hayes, 78, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 5, 2024.  He was born on September 14, 1945 to Horace and Myrtle Hayes of Hampton, the youngest of four brothers. William graduated from Hampton High School in 1963, and Richmond Professional Institute (VCU) with a degree in Advertising. He was a master woodworking craftsman; his cabinets, furniture, and sculptures adorn many homes and offices in Tidewater. He also created mixed media art and film from a unique perspective.

William was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Richard Hayes, and his sister-in-law Anne Hayes. He is survived by his brothers Johnny Greene Hayes and Donald Hayes, and his sister-in-law Peggy Hayes Alligood.

Also surviving him are his Little Brother Jonathon Jessup and Jonathon's son Silas Jessup. William was the beloved "Uncle Wimmy" to his surviving nephews Kelly (Lisa), Brett (Kelly), Kevin (Marina), and Ian Hayes, and his nieces Lisa Schlickenmeyer (Glen) and Lindsay Tronson (David).

Left also to cherish his memory are great nieces and nephews Borden and Maggie Hayes, Emily Bourke, Max and Audrey Schlickenmeyer, Ned and Will Hayes, Kelsie, Anna and Sasha Hayes, Josie and Kara Tronson, and Alyssa Cohen.

William will be greatly missed by his friends at the Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center and the American Theater, where he volunteered, and The Woodlands Golf Course, as well as by his fellow Crabbers, his neighbors, and many others in the Hampton community for whom he was a bright light.

A line from a Grateful Dead song describes William: "Sometimes we live in no particular way but our own." He lived by the Golden Rule. He was kind, gentle, had a dry wit, and cared for his fellow man. His passions were carpentry, art, reading, crossword puzzles, playing bridge, and golf. He played his last round just a few weeks ago. With his family, he was always ready for a game of Scrabble, cards, or conversation. William was loved by all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, August 10, at The Woodlands Golf Course Club House, 9 Woodland Road, Hampton, VA (golf casual).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in William's memory may be made to the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, the Salvation Army, or Operation Smile.