Samburg, Tenn.–A man considered to be one of Reelfoot Lake’s greatest ambassadors died this week and funeral services are set for Monday.
Mike Hayes, age 63, of Samburg, died Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Union City.
Hayes was the owner of the popular Blue Bank Resort, a founding member of the Reelfoot Lake Tourism Council, a former member of the Obion County Commissioners and the TWRA board.
Funeral service will be at 1 pm Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at Second Baptist Church with Bro. Chip Davis and Bro. Justin Hiens officiating. Burial will follow in Antioch Hornbeak Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Scott Gilliam, Russ, Ryan, and Ron Dyer, Wib Evans, Scotty Hayes, Billy Blakley, Bruce Moss, and David Hayes.
Visitation will be Monday, September 4, 2023 at Second Baptist Church from 4pm-7pm and again before the service Tuesday beginning at 11:30am until the time of service at 1pm.
Mr. Hayes was born in Memphis, TN on Aug 10, 1960 to the late Marvin and Virginia Dare Hayes. He grew up on the waters of Reelfoot Lake where he fell in love with the outdoors and dedicated much of his life to not only the preservation of the lake but also the rich history and culture that makes Reelfoot Lake and its locals special. Five generations of the Hayes family have lived and worked on Reelfoot Lake and Mike was no exception, tirelessly promoting not only Blue Bank Resort and the Fishhouse Restaurant but Reelfoot Lake and the surrounding area as he always believed this was the most beautiful place on earth. He was a founding member of the Reelfoot Lake Tourism Council and an Obion County Commissioner for many years. Mike was also appointed to the Tennesse Wildlife Resource Commission by then Governor Phil Bredesen where he used that passion for the outdoors to help promote and preserve the amazing treasure trove of wildlife and outdoor resources that Tennesse has to offer.
The only thing he loved more than the outdoors was his family. Family meant everything to Mike. He is survived by his wife Kathy Hayes; his sons Michael Hayes, Wil Marvin Hayes, Drew (Sara Beth) Hayes; his sisters Jan (Randy) Dyer and Jill (Tony) White; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother Marvin Hayes Jr.