Gerry McIntosh Hayes

Mrs. Gerry McIntosh Hayes, 83, wife of Bayne Hayes, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, surrounded by love. She had been under the compassionate care of Agape Hospice for the past five months following a terminal illness.

Gerry was born on August 26, 1942, in Lynchburg, SC, of the late William “Bill” McIntosh and Christine Kelly McIntosh. She graduated from Lynchburg High School in 1960 and later attended Palmer Junior College.  In her younger years, Gerry’s adventurous spirit led her to work as an airline stewardess with Delta Airlines for four years. After returning home, she became the General Manager for Borg-Warner Finance Company, where she worked until the company relocated to Chicago, Illinois.

Gerry will be remembered by many for her vibrant spirit and her deep love of shag dancing. As a charter member of the Florence Shag Club, she spent countless nights traveling throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, dancing to beach music and forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. One of Gerry’s greatest joys was dancing alongside her husband, Bayne. Together they traveled to shag events and spent many evenings on the dance floor, sharing laughter, friendship, and a love that was easy for others to see. Their time together dancing created cherished memories that will live on in Bayne’s heart. The dance floor was where Gerry truly came alive. In 2007, she was honored as a “Shagging Icon” by the Association of Carolina Shag Clubs (ACSC), a recognition that meant so much to her and to those who had the joy of dancing alongside her. Though the music has quieted here, those who knew Gerry can still picture her smiling as she glides across heaven’s dance floor.

Beyond the dance floor, Gerry found joy in the beauty of her home and garden. She loved tending to her flowers and took special delight in decorating for the holidays. Her Christmas and Halloween displays became something friends and neighbors looked forward to each year. Gerry had a gift for making things beautiful and for making those around her feel welcome.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 22 years, Bayne Hayes of the Hannah community; daughter, Tracy Avin of Florence; grandsons, Stephen Avin of Florence and Garrett Owens (Caycee) of Pleasant Hill; sister, Lynda Owens of Chapin; step-children, Garrett (Jeannie) Hayes of Johnsonville, Brad Hayes of Pearl, Mississippi and Ashley Hayes of Johnsonville; step grandchildren, Megan and Caleb Hayes of Johnsonville and Bella Hayes of Georgetown.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hayes was preceded in death by her daughter, Channon Owens.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Carolina Funeral Home, with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 PM in the chapel.

Burial will follow at a later date in Lynchburg, South Carolina.

Memorials may be made to Lynchburg Methodist Church, PO Box 308, Lynchburg, SC 29080.

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