Walker McGinnis Hayes

Dallas- Walker McGinnis Hayes, 17, passed away on February 20, 2023.

He was born in Gaston County, on March 30, 2005 to Tim and Monica Jenkins Hayes. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Reginald “Reggie” Kelly Hayes.

Walker was a people person, he loved people of all ages. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Dallas, where he was very active in the youth group. He enjoyed four-wheeling, trips to Carolina Beach, fishing, spending time with his family, his girlfriend Maggie, and all of his friends. He was also employed by Dallas Rec. Department. Walker was a graduating senior at Highland School of Technology, where he played Basketball, Football, and was a member of Future Business Leaders of America. He was a co-founder member of a group of boys that called themselves “The Council.”

He is survived by his parents, Tim and Monica Jenkins Hayes; his sisters, Shelby and Sarah Grace; his grandparents, Rachel Green Hayes, and Ray and Charlotte Jenkins; uncle, Jeff Hayes and wife Kelly; cousins, Claire and Mason; his beloved girlfriend, Maggie Williams; and many wonderful friends.

He will lie in honor for family and beloved friends to say their goodbyes to Walker from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Saturday February 25, 2023, in the gym at Highland School of Technology, 1600 North Morris Street, Gastonia. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the gym with Pastor Billy Ervin officiating. Interment will be private at a later date.

Pallbearers will be the members of The Council; Kyle Moir, Connor Jones, Jacob Brooks, Braydon Johnson, Dalton Bumgarner, Andres Hawkins, Levi Philbeck, Aiden Guffey, Jacob Mason, Brayden Lawrence, Bryson Blanton, Jayden Smith, Jakaleb Love, Tate Newton, Dylan Lafollette, Carter Wright, Dylan Abernathy, and Mason Hayes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either the Walker McGinnis Hayes Scholarship Fund or the FUMC Youth c/o First United Methodist Church Youth, P.O. Box 536, Dallas, NC 28034.

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com 

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.