Benjamin “Ben” Franklin Hayes, 80, of Chester, Virginia, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026. Born in Hopewell, Virginia on March 27, 1946, he was the son of the late Joe Ashton Hayes and Mattie Daniel Hayes. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Joe Ashton Hayes, Jr.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Harrison Hayes; daughters, Gayle Molinaro and husband, Lou, and Amy Markins; son, Bryan Hayes and wife, Becca; grandchildren, Patrick Stutz and wife, Kara, Josh Markins and wife, Morgan, David Markins and wife, Lyndsie, Seth Markins, Christopher Markins and wife, Jessica, Declan Hayes, and Sean Hayes; and great-grandchildren, Rhett Markins, Callahan Markins, Maisyn Markins, Emersynn Markins, Grady Markins, Caroline Markins, Bowie Markins, and McCoy Markins; former son-in-law, Richard Markins, and many other extended family members.

Ben proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps, dedicating four years of honorable service. He went on to spend 39 years working at the Hercules Powder Company plant in Hopewell, Virginia, as a Sheetmetal Mechanic. A man of deep faith, Ben spent 20 years of his life participating in annual mission trips to Honduras, sharing his compassion and devotion with others. He was a loving family man who cherished those closest to him and lived his life guided by his love for the Lord. Ben was also a longtime, devoted member of The Heights Baptist Church.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at The Heights Baptist Church, 17201 US-1, South Chesterfield, Virginia 23834. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the memorial service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Arrangements are by the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Heights Baptist Church Mission Fund, 17201 US-1, South Chesterfield, Virginia 23834.