Michael "Strider" Hayes

ATHENS - Michael “Strider” Hayes formerly of Athens, passed away on July 23rd, 2014 at his residence in Wellston, Ohio. He was born on April 10th, 1956 to James Dale Hayes and Ruby Ellen Thomas Hayes in Columbus, Ohio. Strider was infamous. He was known for his love of motorcycles, music, and making mischief. He was a hero several times over, having served in the armed forces as well as risking his own life multiple times to save friends and strangers. While Strider was well known for embellishing his life story, he did tour with Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, The Grateful Dead, Guns N Roses, Metallica, and Genesis, just to name a few. He spent many years protecting drunken Halloween celebrants from themselves during The Block Party, and once worked security for The Pope. But the best of his accomplishments are his two beautiful Amazonian children. He is survived by his mother, the one of a kind Ruby Ellen of Saltville, VA, his brothers Ted (Melinda) Hayes of Dexter, OH, Larry Hayes of Columbus, OH, Jim (Annette) Hayes of Marion, VA, Terry Hayes of Saltville, VA, and his sisters Julia Hayes of Saltville, VA and Cora Tripp of Vineland, NJ, his beloved children Jessica Amber Hayes and Jeremy Dale Hayes (Morgana Marks), and their mother Julie Francke Veach of Athens, OH, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, James Dale Hayes, and brother, Pete Hayes. Special thanks go to Lyric Powers and Chester Cravens for being an integral part of the extended family. Feared by many, loved by most, respected by all. Services will be held on Saturday, August 2ndat 1PM at Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home on Morris Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project at http://support.woundedwarriorproject.org. You may sign the online guestbook or leave a private message of sympathy for the family at www.hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com.