DAMASCUS, Va. Gene Freeman Hayes, age 86, passed away on Monday, October 15, 2018, at Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, Tenn. Gene was born on April 26, 1932, in Konnarock, Va., to the late Cyrlis and Esta Hayes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Alice Hayes; one brother, Vance Hayes; and sister, Wanda Walls. Gene was an Army Veteran and proudly served his country in the Korean War. He owned the Gulf Station in Damascus for many years and also served on the town council, and retired from Reynolds Metals in Bristol, Va. He was a member and Deacon at Konnarock Seventh-Day Adventist Church and was responsible for the Signs Ministry. He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Linda Hayes; two brothers and sisters-in law, Gerald and Price Hayes and Tommy and Mary Hayes, and a very large extended family whom he loved very much. In keeping with his wishes, there will only be a graveside service with military rites and Frank Ricks, officiating on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Azen Cemetery, 21276 Azen Road, in the Konnarock area of Damascus, Va. Everyone is asked to meet at the cemetery at 12:45 p.m. After the services a meal will be provided in the fellowship hall at the Konnarock Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Pallbearers will be Donnie Cole, Albert Harris, Harrison Hutchinson, Bob Osborne, Danny Shumate, and Kevin Widener. Honorary pallbearers will be Russell Hayes, Dan Huffman, Harold Manuel, Dan Osborne, Joe Widener, Men of Konnarock Seventh-Day Adventist Church, and the breakfast crews at Hardees in Mountain City, Tenn. and McDonalds at Exit 19 in Abingdon, Va. Friends may visit with the family at the home of Gerald and Price Hayes, 27036 Wichita Lane (Bethel Community), Abingdon, Va. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his honor may be made to Your Firm Foundation Radio Program, P.O. Box 16, Chilhowie, VA 24319. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mountaincityfh.com. The family has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, Tenn.