Emory Lee Hayes, 87, of Newcastle, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011. The son of George Curtis and Clara Bell (Warren) Hayes, he was born Oct. 4, 1924, in Olustee. He married Noma Lou (Hundley) on Dec. 18, 1943, in Hollis. Emory was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and worked for many years as a farmer and rancher. He owned and operated Hayes and Rollins Farms near Hollis for 43 years until his retirement in 1979. He then went to work for General Motors Corporation for 15 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed showing quarter horses and gardening. Emory had a great sense of humor and loved spending time with his family. He loved watching his grandsons’ football and baseball games and never missed a practice. Emory was an avid OU football fan. He taught children’s Sunday School and served as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Hollis and later at the First Baptist Church in Newcastle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Curtis Hayes; three sisters, Verna Prock, Odell Smith, and Loda Barnett; and a son-in-law, James Birdsong.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Noma Hayes of Newcastle; one daughter and son-in-law, Pam Birdsong and James F. Barnett of Newcastle; a sister, Melba Smith of Edmond; four grandchildren, Jesse Birdsong, David Birdsong, Madison Barnett, and Mackenzie Barnett; and many other loved ones and friends.

Funeral service were scheduled for 10 a.m. today at the First Baptist Church in Newcastle. Graveside service and burial was to follow at 3:30 p.m., at Dryden Cemetery near Hollis. Arrangements are under the direction of Eisenhour Funeral Home in Blanchard.