REMEMBERING DR. LEON MCKINLEY HAYES
Dr. Leon McKinley Hayes, a loving husband, father, and educator passed away Monday, July 14, 2014, after a prolonged illness. Dr. Hayes was born on Dec 3, 1930 in Dallas, Texas to the union of Henry and Bessie Hayes, Leon was the third child of three. At a very early age Dr. Hayes accepted Christ and united with Good Street Baptist Church where he served on the Deacon Board and was a member of the Ms. Miller King Bible class until his health failed.
Dr. Hayes early education began in the Dallas Public School District @ Wheatley Elementary where he continued and graduated from Lincoln High School. While at Lincoln he was the quarter back, ran track and was a member of the boxing team.
In 1948 he entered LACC (Los Angeles Community College) and in 1952-1954 he was drafted into the U. S. Army where he fought in the Korean War. After his discharge from the army he continued his college education at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science in 1957. Dr. Hayes continued his education by receiving his Masters of Education Administration and Supervision at North Texas State, and later received his Doctorate from Nova University (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida), Educational Leadership in 1975.
In 1955 Leon married his longtime sweetheart Doris Williams, they were united inmarriage on August 27, 1955 for 59 years. Dr. Leon Hayes began his career in education with the Dallas Independent School District in 1957 at The Great James Madison High School, as a classroom teacher, 1957- 1962 he became Assistant Principal @ Madison, 1962-1964, Assistant Principal L. G. Pinkston High School, 1964-1971 –Principal, Roosevelt High School , 1971-1978 – Assistant Superintendent East Oak Cliff Sub–District , 1978-1982, Assistant Superintendent, EastOak Cliff Sub-District 1982- 1985, Sub District Administrator-Sub-District II 1982-1985, Administrator-Magnet/Alternative Schools 1985-1988, Executive Director, Magnet/Alternative Schools, Secondary Education Department 1988-1990, Area Director-Magnet/Alternative School 1990-1994, Assistant Superintendent-Cluster 6, 1994-1997 and District 9 Superintendent-1997-1999. Dr. Leon Hayes retired in 1999 after serving the students and the community of the Dallas Independent School District for 43 years.
Dr. Leon Hayes received numerous awards and Recognition of Outstanding Contributions and service given to the students and community. Dr. Hayes is a member of the Fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi, Alpha Chi Chapter, Wiley College (1955) a Life time member.
Dr. Leon McKinley Hayes is survived by his wife and friend of 58 years Doris Hayes, brother Henry Hayes Jr. (Flourence), Elnora Hayes-daughter, Aaron Hayes-son (Carolyn), Steven Hayes-grandson (Wykeshia), Calvin Hayes –grandson (Carol), one great grandson-Zairie Hayes and a host of nieces and nephews. Special Thanks to Johnathan Logan who assisted G-Daddy for eight years, also Hospic Elysian by Cantex Continuing Care Network. Dr. Hayes was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Bessie Hayes, sister, Teresa Hayes
Wake: Thursday, July 17, 2014
6-6:45pm at Evergreen
Memorial Funeral Home
The Home Going
Celebration: Friday, July 18, 2014
11:00am
Good Street Baptist Church
3110 Bonnie View Rd., Dallas, Tx.
