William A. Hayes

William August “Bill-Gus” Hayes, age 85, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on January 23, 2026. He was born on January 29, 1940, in Washington, Indiana, to the late Joseph W. and Pauline (Ebler) Hayes. William devoted his life to his family, his work, and the many communities he served.

He graduated from Washington Catholic High School in 1958 and proudly served six years in both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.

William was a member of the American Legion and United Auto Workers Local #23. He retired from General Motors and from his role as a UAW Representative after more than 40 years of dedicated service, earning numerous honors and recognitions. He served as President of UAW Local #23, representing union members at the GM Chevrolet Indianapolis Truck & Bus Plant. He was later promoted to Region 3 Co-Director of the UAW-GM Center for Human Resources and ultimately retired as a UAW International Representative.

Following his military service and prior to his 42-year career with General Motors, Bill worked for the B&O Railroad, where he labored as a fireman, rail switcher, braker, and car sorter.

William was a meticulous landscaper who took great pride in his yard, trees, shrubs and flowers. To him, trimming and weeding were an art, and he spent countless hours and weekends ensuring everything was in pristine park-like condition.

One of Bill’s greatest passions was basketball. He played point guard on his high school team and continued playing while serving in the Navy. He later coached his sons in the Mooresville Junior Basketball League, forming lasting friendships and serving on the league’s Board of Directors. During basketball season, he often volunteered to work third shift at the Chevrolet Plant so he could attend every practice and game.

Bill married the love of his life, Nancy (Cannon) Hayes, in 1964.

He is survived by his wife Nancy; sons William “Billy” Hayes (Carrie) and Brian Hayes (Lise); daughter Lori Johnson (Adam); sisters Sharon Decker (Ron) and Rita Barnett (Ed); and his beloved grandchildren: Sidney Leicht, Leah Hayes, Catie Hayes, Emily Hayes, Cannon Hayes, Caroline Hayes, Paige Hayes, Clare Hayes, and Selah Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.

William was immensely proud of his family, whom he loved deeply. He worked hard to ensure all his children received a college education. His grandchildren, however, meant the world to him. Affectionately calling them hon, honey, bud, or buddy, he attended as many of their activities, games, and events as possible, often slipping them money for a souvenir or milkshake.

Public visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29 (his birthday), from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Carlisle-Branson Funeral Home in Mooresville, Indiana. A brief service with military honors will follow.

A second service will be held at a later date, after winter weather permits, in Washington, Indiana, where William will be laid to rest alongside his parents at Saint John Cemetery.