Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

June 20, 2025

CHARLOTTE – Gordon Henry Hayes, 94, passed peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025.  Born on March 31, 1931, Gordon grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, the youngest of two sons to Gordon Henry Hayes Sr. and Mary Sula Hayes.

Gordon was a 1949 graduate of Central High School in Charlotte, afterwards attending Charlotte City College and was a graduate of Morehead City Technical Institute, a division of North Carolina State University.  Upon graduating from college, he began his career at American Moistening Company (Charlotte) working as a draftsman, before enlisting in the Navy Air Force in April of 1951.  Gordon served in the Navy as an Aircraft Engine Mechanic stationed in San Diego and later served time in Oahu, Hawaii at Hickam Air Force Base, until honorable discharge in March of 1955.

After returning from the Navy and living back in Charlotte, Gordon met his future wife, Grace Pond Brinkley, while playing tennis with friends.  Gordon and Grace married in 1967 and remained married for 57 years while raising two children, Susan and Michael.

Gordon’s professional career consisted of many years working in freight and tooling sales for multiple companies such as Wilton Corporation (District Manager), Ancra International (Sales Engineer), Sandvik Steel (Sales), and Sunbelt Machinery (Sales).  He earned numerous regional awards and accolades as a salesman covering North and South Carolina territories.  He loved to “do business” with almost anyone, often meeting with his clients over an eastern North Carolina BBQ lunch.  His entertaining and humorous personality made him a great salesman, forming many longtime relationships and friendships with his customers.

Gordon spent his adult life living split-time each year in Charlotte, North Carolina and Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.  While living in Charlotte, Gordon loved to play tennis with family and friends, go jogging around the neighborhood, and relax out on the patio.  His favorite place to reside was at Ocean Isle Beach with his wife and family, where Gordon spent most of his time fishing, shrimping, boating, and spending time on the water.  He loved anything related to boats, seafood and the ocean.  He loved to invite colleagues and friends on fishing and shrimping trips. Gordon received his captain license in 1992, and due to the frequent time spent in the backwater catching seafood he was known to his family and friends by his nickname, Captain Muddy Foot.

Gordon had a light-hearted, comical and humorous personality.  He loved to tell stories, jokes and laugh with his friends and family.  Gordon also had a very polished and dignified side to his character.  His legacy will be the devoted husband and caring father who gave his family a lifetime of special memories together.

Gordon is survived by his son, Michael Gordon Hayes of Wilmington, NC; daughter, Susan Hayes Santos of Charlotte; son-in-law, Sammy Santos of Rock Hill, SC; cousins, Becky Hayes Willard of Charlotte and Charlotte Hayes Burgess of Wilmington and nieces Donna Hayes and Dana Hayes.

Gordon was preceded by his wife of 57 years, Grace Brinkley Hayes; parents, Gordon Henry Hayes, Sr. and Mary Sula Hayes and brother, Donald Eugene Hayes.

A service celebrating Gordon’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Gordon to Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 3307 Rea Road, Charlotte, NC 28226.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.