James Walter "Walt" Hayes Jr.

Clemson, SC - James Walter “Walt” Hayes, a resident of Mobile for over 47 years, died at the age of 94. Walt was a native of Everett, Washington, where he attended the Lincoln and Washington grade schools, North Junior High and Everett High School. He graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in Economics and was a distinguished military graduate, commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He was a former executive for a major paper company, Scott Paper Company, for 35 years, retiring as Manager of Logistics for the Southern Region. He subsequently was President and CEO of a major warehousing, distribution, and transportation company, as well as President of a furniture leasing company. He also was admitted to practice before the Interstate Commerce Commission.

He served in the Infantry as an officer during the Korean Campaign with the 14th Infantry, 25th Division. He was awarded various citations, including the Combat Infantryman Badge, the President of Korea Medal for meritorious combat services, and a Presidential Unit Citation. His military service was completed with 8 years of active and reserve duty, fulfilling his obligation, during which time he obtained the rank of Captain.

Over the years, Walt was active in Mobile community affairs, serving as Vice Chairman of the United Way, a board member of the Community Chest and Foundation, as well as serving on the boards of the Boys and Girls Clubs, Boy Scouts of America, Mobile Opera, Allied Arts Council, Navy League, and the University of South Alabama Business Advisory Board. Walt also served on the Vestry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and taught Sunday school, ushered, and chaired several key committees.

He was a member of several Mardi Gras Mystic Societies. He also was a Master Mason, a member of the Country Club of Mobile, and a past member of the Athelstan Club, having also served on its board. Walt holds the distinction and honor of being named an Honorary Native of Mobile by then Mayor Arthur Outlaw and City Council. He is the recipient of the Golden Legion Award and the True Blue Society of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, of which he served as chapter President during his undergraduate days, and subsequently Alumni Chapter Advisor. He is the recipient of the Man and Boys Award of the Boys and Girls Club, as well as their Outstanding Achievement Award. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award by the Boy Scouts Council of Mobile and the Arthur R. Priest Award. He was also appointed an honorary Lt. Colonel in the Alabama Militia by Governors Wallace and Hunt. Walt is named in the Worldwide Register of Global Business Leaders. He served as chairman for the National Governors Conference held in Mobile, a sub-chairman on the Commissioning Committee for the USS Mobile Bay, and is a plank owner. He also entered into political support and activity for candidates for local, state, and national offices.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Marcia McCready Hayes. He is survived by a son, Scott Waldon Hayes of Auburn, daughters Katharine Jean Hunter (Jody) and Donna Margaret Mackin (Jeff,) and grandchildren Katharine Hall Hunter Baldwin (Alex,) McCready Ellen Hunter (Alex Barin,) James Patrick Mackin, and Katharine  Ryan Mackin.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 am on June 23, 2025 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church’s chapel, 4051 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL 36608. Visitation will be held after the service in the Parish Hall. A family service of cremated remains will be held at the Spring Hill Cemetery at St. Paul’s Memorial Garden. Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, or the American Cancer Society of Mobile, AL. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Clemson Downs and Via Health Services for their amazing care and assistance in Walt’s later years, and everyone who knew Walt for their love and friendship throughout his life; it meant the world to him. May you remember Walt as the fun-loving, humorous, living-on-the-edge, life-to-the-fullest man he was.