George Sylvanus Hayes, age 89, of Metropolis, IL, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2015 at Southgate Healthcare Center.George was born on March 22, 1925 in Ferguson, MO to Franklin and Winnifred Hess Hayes. The youngest of five children, George spent his youth in Ferguson with his elder brothers Francis and Charles and sisters Marguerite and Ann, with whom he was especially close.At the age of 18, George enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country during the height of World War II. While serving, George rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class, leading a platoon of soldiers based at Manila Bay in the Philippines. At the end of the war, George remained in the U.S. Army Reserves, later serving his country during the Korean War.Upon return from World War II, George moved to Peoria, Illinois and began working at Corn Products International as an Operating Engineer at the plant's electric power generating station. During a weekend trip to southern Illinois, George met Massac County native Margie King. The story of their meeting became lore among the family with both using different descriptions of where they met. George told the story of meeting Margie at bar. Ever the lady, Margie described it as a "dance hall." During this chance meeting, the two discovered that they were both living in Peoria. As they parted, George promised he would look Margie up once they returned to Peoria. It was several weeks later when George arrived at the YWCA of Peoria to track down, in his words, the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. The two began dating and later married on May 11, 1950, settling in nearby Bartonville, IL. On April 11, 1953, the couple welcomed their first son Larry.In 1954, George accepted a position as an Operating Engineer at the newly constructed Electric Energy, Inc. power plant in Joppa, IL. With this, they moved to Metropolis and soon after built their home of 60 years on Highway 145. On October 4, 1963, they welcomed their second son, Todd. In addition, their family grew to include George's niece, Whenna Tucker, who joined the family during her youth. George retired from EEI in 1990, after 36 years of service. George was a hard-working and dedicated employee who never missed a day of work. Known for his quick wit and bold sense of humor, George formed many long-lasting friendships from his time at the plant. After retiring, George along with his best friend and fellow EEI retiree, Bob Wilcox, embarked on their adventures of helping their families and friends or even strangers with just about anything. Whether wiring a house, pouring a driveway or replacing a furnace, George and Bob shared their talents with others, never asking for anything in return. No matter what the need, George and Bob were always there.After losing both of his sons at young ages, George poured his energy into his grandchildren. George was a constant provider, protector and encourager of his grandchildren. From building sandboxes and elaborate swing sets to traveling to various sporting events or always being there when needed, George was his grandchildren's greatest fan; the kind of grandpa every kid should be so lucky to have.When not with his grandchildren, George spent time with Margie wintering in Florida in their RV and tending meticulously to his beautiful yard and vegetable garden at home. George was an avid reader of history and politics and loved a good argument on either of two subjects, or any subject for that matter. George was a great debater and with his one-liners, could leave the other speechless. George is survived by his beloved daughters-in-law, Deborah Chambers & Julie Hayes; his dear niece Whenna Qualk & husband Bud; his cherished grandchildren, Jason Hayes, Joshua Hayes & wife Amy, Heather Hayes-Atkinson & husband Alex, Levi Loverkamp & wife Julia, Morgan Bittick & husband Evan, Sydney Hayes & Collin Hayes, Jamie Qualk & wife Stephanie; his adored great-grandchildren, Gavin & Camryn Hayes, Liam, Macklin & Molly Hayes, Owen Atkinson, Austin & Bailey Peek, Landon Bittick, Sasha & Katerina Qualk.He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Margie King-Hayes; his cherished sons, Larry Hayes & Todd Hayes; his parents Franklin & Winnifred Hayes; his brothers, Charles Hayes & Francis Hayes; his sisters, Marguerite Hayes-Landon & Ann Hayes-TuckerVisitation will be held on Monday, February 2, 2015 at Aikins-Farmer Funeral Home in Metropolis, IL from 6-8 pm. Funeral service will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at Aikins-Farmer Funeral Home with Elder Freddie Waddy officiating. Music will be provided by Wanda Strubinger. Burial will follow in the Metropolis Memorial Gardens.Pallbearers will be Jason Hayes, Joshua Hayes, Levi Loverkamp, Collin Hayes, Jamie Qualk & Bud Qualk. Honorary pallbearers will be Heather Hayes-Atkinson, Morgan Hayes-Bittick, Sydni Hayes & Bob Wilcox.Expressions of sympathy may be made to Lourdes Hospice, P.O. Box 7100 Paducah, KY 42002-7100.