Ministry partner Joe F. Hayes dies at 90

Joe Frank Hayes, the founding owner and president of Hayes Food Products and a ministry partner of Southwestern Seminary, died Jan. 16. He was 90 years old.

Born on Nov. 17, 1928, Hayes resided in South Carolina. Known to many as “the bean man,” he was a faithful follower of Christ; a dedicated husband, father and family man; a distinguished businessman; and a committed philanthropist. He lived according to 1 Corinthians 13:13—“But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Hayes founded Hayes Food Products in 1958, serving as its president and chairman of the board for many years thereafter. His company’s success enabled him to be a generous donor for many organizations and institutions, including North Greenville University, where he was a lifetime trustee; the Salvation Army; the Blue Ridge Boy Scout Council; and the Greenville Civitan Club. He was also a member of the Advisory Board of Southwestern Seminary.

Beginning the mid-1990s, Hayes contributed nearly $300,000 to fund Southwestern’s Spring Evangelism Practicum (now known as Revive This Nation) into the new millennium. This allowed students and faculty to travel across the country to preach revivals in local churches over spring break each year, proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and seeing many come to saving faith in Him.

Hayes is survived by his wife of 70 years, Eleanor; four children, Joe, Nancy, Katina, and Thomas; 15 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, David.

A memorial service will be held on Jan. 19 at Locust Hill Baptist Church in Travelers Rest, S.C., where Hayes served as a deacon for more than 50 years.