William August "Bill-Gus" Hayes

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

A 1958 graduate of Washington Catholic High School, William proudly served six years in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. He was a longtime member of the American Legion and United Auto Workers Local #23. After working for the B&O Railroad as a fireman, rail switcher, braker, and car sorter, he began a 42-year career with General Motors. He served as President of UAW Local #23, representing union members at the GM Chevrolet Indianapolis Truck & Bus Plant, and later advanced to Region 3 Co-Director of the UAW-GM Center for Human Resources before retiring as a UAW International Representative.

William was a meticulous landscaper who took great pride in creating a park-like yard filled with trees, shrubs, and flowers. He also held a deep passion for basketball, having played point guard on his high school team and while serving in the Navy. He coached his sons in the Mooresville Junior Basketball League, served on the league’s Board of Directors, and arranged his work schedule so he could attend every practice and game.

In 1964, he married the love of his life, Nancy (Cannon) Hayes. 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, along with several nieces and nephews.

William was immensely proud of his family, working hard to ensure all his children received a college education. His grandchildren meant the world to him. He affectionately called them hon, honey, bud, or buddy, attended as many of their activities as possible, and often slipped them money for a souvenir or milkshake.