Dwayne Marvin Hayes

Dwayne “Kojak” Hayes

Born on December 11, 1959 in Dumas, Texas to parents, Don Carroll Hayes & Anita Marcielle (Marcie) Hayes. Went to his heavenly home on September 25, 2021.

The family moved to Plainview, Texas on January 6, 1964 with his sister, Dianne Hayes. Dwayne was baptized into Christ on April 9, 1973 and was a faithful member until his death. Dwayne was preceded in death by his parents, Don Carroll Hayes & Anita (Marcie) Hayes. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Cindy Hayes, one son, Eric Hayes & wife, Elizabeth Hayes, three grandsons, Eric Jr, Ethan & Elijah Hayes of Highlands, TX, one sister, Dianne Hayes of Plainview, and numerous family & friends.

Dwayne started his work career at a young age with mowing lawns in Plainview, Texas, then started working at Smoky’s BBQ when was in high school. While working at Smoky’s BBQ he was given the nickname of “Kojak” from his boss, Marion Gion, as Kojak would come into work sucking on a lollipop most of the time. He also worked a second job at the bowling alley and even tried to talk his Dad into allowing him to work a third job but his Dad did not agree. After graduating high school in May of 1978, he moved to Channelview, Texas, on January 28, 1981 where he worked a paper route for the Houston Chronicle until he got a job at Champion Paper Mill where he worked for 18 years. After his lay off from the paper mill he attended college and received a Bachelors degree in Computer Accounting from Interactive Learning Systems. He changed careers in 2005 when he starting working for Crosby ISD Transportation driving a school bus. He truly enjoyed driving the students during his 13 years until he retired in 2018 due to a seizure which ended his professional driving career. 

Kojak met the love of his life, Cindy, at a church meeting in the summer of 1983 but did not start dating until 1985 after Nancy & Marty's wedding. After dating for four years they married in 1989 and were blessed with a son, Eric. Kojak was quick with a joke or witty comment and enjoyed making people laugh. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, participating and watching sports as well as collecting sports memorabilia, listening to 70’s music, spending time with his family and especially his grandsons. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Pallbearers: Ricky Slaughter, Marty Hayes, Darrell Hayes, Michael Hayes, Phillip Hayes, Bradley Hayes, Brandon Fletcher, Mike Hayes, Christian Joiner, Glenn Martin

Visitation will be Thursday, October 7, 2021 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Sterling-White Funeral Home in Highlands, TX. Funeral service will be Friday, October 8, 2021 at 11a.m. Arrangements under the direction of Sterling-White Funeral Home @ 11011 Crosby-Lynchburg Road   Highlands, TX 77562 In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be given to the Church of Christ India fund @ cofcindia.com Or the Church of Christ Nigeria fund @ cofcnigeria.com