Barry Eugene Hayes

Hayes, Barry Eugene, 66, of Lakeland, FL, went home to be with His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Sunday, June 20, 2021. Barry was born in East Point, Atlanta, GA to Ed and Hazel (Bramblett) Hayes. He was raised in the East Point area and active in Little League in his younger years. When in high school, he was a proud Buccaneer at Briarwood high school. He excelled in most every sport, earning many letters, however soccer became his favorite. Barry could have gone with a soccer scholarship to college, but he followed his heart and calling, going on to attend Atlanta Christian College. While attending college, the only sport available was basketball, so he joined the team, with all his 5'3 stature. Barry loved politics and was chosen to attend Boys state his senior year of high school. After graduation from College Barry began his life in ministry, which he did till the day he passed. He has touched many lives through the ministry, including being a Chaplain for the Winter Park Police department. Barry loved his Jesus, family, Sports, politics, movies, laughter, the family dogs, cats, chickens and his favorite pastime: eating. He was a hands-on father and grandfather and an amazing husband to his wife Sandy. Barry and Sandy have been very blessed to have planted and pastored Freedom Community Church in Leesburg Fl., for the past 13 years. He was a phenomenal preacher and teacher and led many to a relationship with Jesus. He was preceded in death by his father Ed Hayes and brother Dale Hayes. He is survived by his wife Sandy Hayes, his children Heather (Jimmer) Roy, Chelsea (Sean) Ryan and Chase Simonds, 6 grandchildren: Savannah Moore, Izze Roy, Brynleigh Ryan, Patrick Ryan, Elijah Chance and William Davis, one great grandchild: Kinley Chance, his mother Hazel Hayes, and sister Julie (Parks) Hand. There will be a viewing/visitation Friday, June 25, from 6-8 at Gentry Morrison Funeral home at 3350 Mall Hill Drive, Lakeland, Fl. There will be a Celebration of Life service Saturday, June 26 at 10:30am, at Trinity Assembly of God, 200 Urick St. Fruitland Park, Fl 34731. There will be food and fellowship to follow the service. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Freedom Community Church, Leesburg, Pastors Barry and Sandy Hayes, Mailing Address: 8745 Viking Lane, Lakeland Fl 33809

Barry Eugene Hayes

March 31, 1955 - June 20, 2021