Obituary of Theodore William Hayes

CHAPEL HILL Theodore (Ted) William Hayes (1927-2013) died on March 30, 2013 in Chapel Hill, NC at the age of 85. Ted is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-seven years, Regine Helene Hayes, and his son Keefe Hayes and his wife, Betty; his daughter Claudia Morrell and her husband, Christopher; his five grand daughters, Katrina and Angela Hayes, Lara Kopf, Lindsay Morrell Rubin, and Carin Morrell; and two grand-sons-in law, Thomas Kopf and Douglas Rubin. Ted was preceded in death by his parents Claude Keefe Hayes and Ella Belle Hayes and his Aunt Sadie Obermeier. Ted served in the Air Force for 20 years and was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain. During his time in the military, he was a navigator of a B47 "Stratofortress" flying the second to last B47 to the "Arizona graveyard" and ending the tenure of that bomber. In 1967 he trained to become a meteorologist and served as one during his one-year deployment in Vietnam. Ted retired from the military in 1972 and moved to Chapel Hill to gain graduate training in computer science, an emerging field. He got a job at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina as a systems analyst and worked there for 20 years. He retired in 1990 at the age of 63. Upon retirement, Ted threw himself into supporting a new program called Peer Learning that provided quality education programs for seniors at Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill. Members of the community remember Ted's dedication and kindness. Comments from friends visiting Ted in the care center reflected on his willingness to help anyone and do anything to support them and the program. From organizing speakers to arranging space to sending out letters, he worked tirelessly to provide a program that others could enjoy. Ted always had a kind word, a generous spirit, and a loving thought for anyone who crossed his path. His spirit of gentleness was based upon his deep and abiding faith. As a young man he had spent time in the seminary, and his faith in God and family was his rudder throughout his life. He was well known and much cared for at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church where he served in the choir as a tenor for many years. He also helped serve communion, read the lessons, and assisted in any way needed. He loved the church and to study the Bible. Attending the men's group was particularly meaningful to him. Ted would always tell people he had a wonderful life. He loved his time at "Waldesruh," the home he and Regine built on five acres of land. Waldesruh means forest peace in German, a country Ted learned to love thanks to Regine. From crusty rolls and black coffee every morning to learning the German language, he found comfort in the shared cultures that both he and Regine shared from childhood. Though born American, his original family, the Obermeiers were German farmers in Iowa. What everyone knew about Ted though was how much he loved Regine. Watching them together made people smile and reflect on the joys and rewards of a long happy marriage. Perhaps this is best echoed in Ted's words written to Regine from Viet Nam on the 4th of October, 1967. "these clouds look just like the clouds in Alabama, so I'll leave a little kiss on one of them for you. They drift fairly slowly, but then they are sure, so don't be surprised if one of them leaves a moist little kiss for you as it passes by. Don't think that little white cloud is crying - it's just passing on my love. Ted" We know Ted's spirit is alive and his family looks forward to the day we can all be together again in our home with God. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Monday, April 8 at 2pm at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 E. Rosemary St Chapel Hill 27514. Memorials may be sent to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church choral music fund or quilter's fund. Online condolences may be made at www.walkersfuneralservice.com