Carrol Joseph “Gabby” Hayes, 83, died Oct. 19, 2012, at Palm Garden of Vero Beach.
He was born in Baxley, Ga., and lived in Vero Beach for 33 years, coming from Jacksonville.
Before retirement in 1979, he was a firefighter and paramedic with the Duval County Fire Department for 23½ years.
Following his retirement, he began a second career in the family’s citrus business in Indian River County with Florida Atlantic Grove Service and Lindsey Citrus.
He served in the Army from 1949 to 1953 during the Korean conflict.
He was a member of the International Association of Firefighters.
He served on the Farm Services Agency Committee.
He was a member of King’s Baptist Church, Vero Beach, where he served as an usher and greeter.
He also was a member of the Fellowship Sunday school class at King’s Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Patty Hayes, of Vero Beach; sons, David Hayes, of Winter Park and Craig Hayes and Brian Hayes, both of Vero Beach; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Libby; brothers, Clarence and Edwin; and sisters, Mid, Eula, Bell and Lucy.
Memorial contributions may be made to King’s Baptist Church, 3235 58th Ave., Vero Beach, FL 32966.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 26 at Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach.
A funeral service will be 10 a.m. Oct. 27 at King’s Baptist Church, Vero Beach, with the Rev. Frank Ellis officiating. Interment will follow in Winter Beach Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Army Honor Guard.
A guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
