Sheldon Maurice Hayes, affectionately known as “Shelt” or “Fly Guy,” was born in Brooklyn, New York, on July 18, 1962. He entered his eternal rest in Florence, South Carolina, on August 9, 2024.

Educated in the New York City Public School system, he attended Eastern District High School and George Westinghouse High School, graduating in 1981.

He was one of the founding members of Greater St. Stephen UCOG under the leadership of Bishop Marvin D. Williams Sr., where he was baptized in 1982. He later became a member of Greater New Zion in Laurelton, NY, under the leadership of the late Bishop Theodore and Carolyn Randolph, serving diligently as head deacon, drummer, and trustee. In 2022, after relocating to Florence, SC, he became a member of Emerge City Church, serving as Facility Director under Overseer Stefon and his youngest daughter, Lady Shavon Dudley.

Sheldon worked for several years at Mary Immaculate Hospital and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. In recent years, he enjoyed a fulfilling career as a truck driver, proudly completing trucking school, which he considered one of his greatest accomplishments. His final position was as a medical transport driver at Lyde Transportation. Sheldon loved to travel, as evidenced by the many stamps in his passport, and he had plans to continue traveling the world and spending time with family and friends in retirement.

Sheldon was preceded in death by the love of his life, Sherrie Lynn Hayes, as well as his mother, Shirley Jean Hayes.

He is survived by his children with his former wife, Suzette Spence, Shawn (Renee) Steward, Shannel Hayes, Shaleace Hayes, and Shavon (Stefon) Dudley; bonus children Leonard Moore, Troy Davis, True Davis, Trust Davis, and Danielle Buckler; twenty-two grandchildren; one loving brother Timothy Hayes; one loving sister Linda Hayes; and numerous nieces and nephews. Sheldon was deeply loved by his family and friends.