Dwight George Hayes, 72, died Sunday, June 24, 2018. Born June 25, 1945 in Salt Lake City, UT, he was a son of the late George F. and Elizabeth Wright Hayes. After graduating from Aiken High School in 1963, he joined the US Navy and was honorably discharged in 1968. After his service in the US Navy, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina in 1969. Mr. Hayes later earned his Juris Doctorate from The University of South Carolina in 1981. Prior to his retirement, he served on Strom Thurmond's staff at the State House and worked as an attorney for the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Mr. Hayes was an advocate for animals and loved his cats and dogs dearly. He also enjoyed woodworking, reading, and spending time with his family and friends. Mr. Hayes greatest joy over the last 30 years was hosting the annual Tookie Doo Barbeque with his friends.

Survivors include his brother, Doug Hayes (Janine); sister, Kathleen Connelly; sister-in-law, Susan Mueller; brothers-in-law, Michael McFarland and James McFarland (Connie); as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Hayes was preceded in death by his wife, Melanie E. Hayes; brother-in-law, Earl E. Mueller; and sister-in-law, Sadie W. McFarland.

The service for Mr. Hayes will be held 11 o'clock, Saturday, June 30th, at St. Luke Lutheran Church with Pastor Andrew Eisenhower officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church, 1127 Olympia Avenue, Columbia, SC 29201 or to the Heart Worm Project, PO Box 7308, West Columbia, SC 29171.