Freddy L. Hayes

Mr. Freddy L. Hayes, age 82, of Macon, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Piedmont Healthcare in Macon, surrounded by his three children. He was a native of Wheeler County, and as a child he lived in Cuba, Warner Robins, and Texas before returning to Glenwood. He graduated from Montgomery County High School in 1961, where he was a standout athlete, lettering and excelling in four sports. Following high school, he graduated from the IBM School in Detroit.

After college, Freddy moved to Macon and worked as a computer analyst. His greatest passion however was music. For the next 50 years, he pursued that passion as a talented drummer. Over the course of his musical career, he worked for Capricorn, RCA, Columbia Records, and many others. He performed with many well known artists including The Allman Brothers, Razzy Bailey, James Brown, Percy Sledge, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffet, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Elvis, and many more. He performed at the Grand Ole Opry, Preservation Hall in New Orleans, and continued to perform professionally into his mid 70s. He traveled extensively, but lived in New Orleans and Macon for most of his adult life. Freddy also had a passion for food, especially cooking and collecting recipes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Freddy Jonah Hayes and Rachel Ary Atchison Hayes, as well as an infant sister, Hope Hayes.

He is survived by his beloved partner in life, Carolyn Barfield of Macon; three children, Darren L. Hayes and wife Calynn of Washington State, Rhonda Palmer and husband John of Washington D.C., and Amy Sims and husband Joey of Roberta; Carolyn’s children whom he adored, Sabrina Barfield who preceded him in death and Jason Barfield of Macon; fourteen grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

A graveside funeral service will be Friday morning, October 24th, 2025, at 11:00 at Glenwood City Cemetery with Tony West officiating.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.   

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