Bobby Gene Hayes

DATELINE: WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA

Bobby Gene Hayes

Bobby Gene Hayes, 87 passed away peacefully in Wilmington NC on March 25, 2026. Hayes was born April 6, 1938 in Shelby, NC and lived there until he joined the US Army. Upon returning from Ft. Hood Texas 1961, he began his law enforcement career in Kings Mountain as a Police Officer. He went on to serve as Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain from 1969 to 1995 and was appointed Chief of Police in 1995. Following his law enforcement career, he continued his dedication to public service as a City Councilman At-Large from 1997 to 2001. He was also a member of Cherokee Street Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon for several years. Hayes remained a resident of Kings Mountain for many years after retirement, until relocating to Wilmington in 2021.

A gentle giant to most, ‘Bob’ loved police work and the community he served. During his time on the KMPD he took great pleasure from meeting the many area residents he encountered. He always strived to put himself in the other persons shoes and to lead by example, proving himself to be a man of great integrity and honor. In his pastime he liked classic cars, target practice (having won a trophy in the Army) westerns, a good game of cards and watching sports, even revealing a hidden talent for quoting the stats on most college teams.

He is survived by his wife of over 66 years, Sue Dover Hayes, his daughter Deborah Hayes Conard and his Son-In-Law Michael Conard.

He was preceded in death by his parents Madge and Hubert Padgett, and his brother, Jerry

MEMORIAL SERVICE: First Baptist Church, Kings Mountain, NC

Friday, May 1, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. Rev. Dr. John Sloan, officiating

VISITATION: 2:00 - 2:50 P.M. Friday, May 1, 2026 prior to the service at First Baptist Church, Kings Mountain, North Carolina

INTERMENT: Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, North Carolina

MEMORIALS: Memorials can be made to Still Standing, and mailed to: Cleveland County Community Development Corporation 823 West Warren St Shelby, NC 28150. This organization recognizes and supports those shot or seriously injured in the line of duty in Cleveland County and it meant so much to him since he was shot 6 times in the line of duty in 1977.

GUEST REGISTER AVAILABLE AT WWW.HARRISFUNERALS.COM

ARRANGEMENTS: HARRIS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA