Matthew Richard Hayes

Matthew Richard Hayes, 37, left us to be with our Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 30, 2023, after sustaining injuries from a motorcycle accident in Lincolnton, GA.

Matthew, the son of Mr. Kevin Hayes (Jean) and Mrs. Storm Morgan (Arthur), was born on March 23, 1986, in Columbia, SC. He was a 2004 graduate of Greenbrier High School prior to attending Georgia Southern University, Roane State, and Tennessee Technological University. He was a God-fearing man who selflessly helped others, loved animals, and enjoyed the outdoors. Matthew was a 4th year Carpenter Apprentice with the Carpenter’s Union, Local 50, in Oak Ridge, TN. He was an incredibly hard-working man who could fix nearly anything he needed to, not only for himself but for his friends, in Oak Ridge, TN, where he resided for the last fourteen years. He moved to Oak Ridge to care for his grandfather, Richard Huber, until he lost his battle to cancer in 2009 and then proceeded to care for his grandmother, Elaine Huber, until she also lost her battle to cancer in 2015. He enjoyed front-porch sitting while listening to ZZ Top or Lynyrd Skynyrd, building bonfires in his backyard, fishing, and riding his motorcycle whenever he had the chance. Matthew was a kind and loving soul with a heart of gold and a love for his country. He was beyond loyal to his family and friends and could be counted on to be wherever you needed him at the drop of a hat. He was the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back, no questions asked. Matthew always had us laughing by just being himself and telling us exactly what he thought, even when we didn’t ask or agree with him. Unfortunately, he left us far too early and will be missed by so, so many.

Matthew is survived by his parents, Kevin Hayes (Jean) and Storm Morgan (Arthur); six siblings, Kayla Hayes (daughter Elaine), Sabrina Mazzei (husband Anthony and son Jack), Tytia Hunter (husband David and step-son Daniel), Endrea McGowan (husband Adam and children Jacob, Grace and Andrew), Wesley Morgan (wife Anna and daughters Kylie, Avery and Chloe), and Ariana Morgan; long-time girlfriend, Brandie Maston and her children whom he loved very much - Kelsey, Jayla, Jevin, and Jerica; and extended family including “Grammy” Leona Morgan, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends that were like family to him. 

A celebration of life will be held in Oak Ridge, TN, and will be announced once the arrangements are complete.

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