Hayward Mayes was born, on October 31, 1935, to the late Leoda Mayes and the late Vannie Lee Mayes, in Spartanburg, SC. He was educated in Spartanburg County schools. He served six years in the United States Army. He was employed at General Motors for over thirty years. Hayward was a member of Friends in Christ United Methodist Church.

Hayward was a very family-oriented man who loved his family immensely. He took great pride in caring for his family.  He had a curt disposition and was a "straight shooter". He loved music, especially jazz, and his favorite R&B group was Earth, Wind and Fire. He loved his New York Giants and spent most days watching CNN.

He was preceded in death, along with his parents, by son, Hayward Mayes, Jr.; siblings, Malice Mayes, Vera Wilkins, Vannie Lee Mayes, Hurbert Mayes, Leala Ree Foster, Sylvia Mayes, Ollie Miller, Vernon Mayes, and Arthur Mayes.

Left to honor and cherish his memory are daughters, Natasha Mayes of Gaithersburg, MD and Cosha Martin of Chesnee, SC; brother, Bradford (Jean) Mayes of Chesnee, SC; grandchildren, Jamal "Jay" Martin, Jaylon Martin, Madison Gill, Mia Gill, Jaiden Crawford, and Azizah Thompson; one great-grandchild, Zara Crawford-Turner; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

On Sunday, April 14, 2024. Hayward transitioned peacefully. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.