Hayes Fentress Fletcher

Hayes Fentress Fletcher, age 93, of Asheville, NC passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community.

Hayes was born on October 21, 1932, in Covington, TN, to the late Harold Clarence Fletcher and Ivie Myrtle Turnage Fletcher. In addition to his parents, Hayes was preceded in death by his sister, five brothers, and eldest son, John Marc. Those left behind to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 69 years, Anita Fletcher of Asheville, daughters Suzanne Fletcher (Ashland, OR), Katherine Fletcher (Chuckey, TN), son Grant Fletcher (Carla) (monteagle, TN), seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He loved being in the middle of the "unbroken circle" of his family, and reminding them of the old hymn by that name.

He graduated from Lambuth College where he earned his Bachelor's degree and Garrett

Theological Seminary where he earned his master's of Divinity. After 17 years serving United Methodist churches, he left the pastoral ministry in 1971 and went on to serve in methodist institutions: Lambuth College (Asst. to the President), then as President of the methodist Hospitals Foundation in Memphis, where he served until his retirement.

Hayes was a social activist most of his life with a deep commitment to peace, equality and justice. His ministry spanned a period of exciting and turbulent times in cultural, political, and civil turmoil. He was active in groups working to improve racial equality as a founding member of the Oak Park Human Rights Committee. His commitment to civil rights led to his participation in the Poor Peoples March on Washington. He served as Chair of Project Equality of Illinois that brought white businesses and black enterprises together for mutual support. Prior to the Roe vs. Wade decision making abortion legal, Hayes was a member of the Chicago Clergy Consultation Service on Problem Pregnancies which helped women secure safe abortions, if that was their choice.

He could often be found fishing, on the golf course, or reading a book. One of his favorite things to do was writing, resulting in four books (including a memoir), and was a guest columnist for two newspapers.

A family circle of remembrance will be held at Deerfield at a later date, where his ashes will be buried at a favorite spot in the Memorial Garden at St. Giles Chapel.

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