Gary Artenas Bennett-Hayes
11/19/90 - 4/27/2021
Gary came in to this world the same way he lived life - full speed ahead - on November 19, 1990, in Fairmont, West Virginia.
The son of Sharon Lyn and Curtis Franklin Hayes II (Retired CW4 US Army) of Chesterfield Virginia relocated to Virginia where he continued to share his zest for life in April of 2012. Mr Bennett-Hayes, or Gar-Bear as he was known to those who knew him best (a childhood nickname that embarrassed him but made him laugh) found work in the construction industry where he served in many capacities. His Jack Of All Trades and Master of Many quickly earned him a reputation for his great artistry and dedication to a job well done. This is not to say that his outgoing personality and insistence for things being done his way didn't cause him numerous "issues" along his journey. He loved nothing more than sharing his skillsets with those around him - by doing after becoming frustrated - while trying to teach and please those around him. The pride Gar-Bear took in his work was evident daily as he often sent photographs of the progress of each job.
A resident of Marion County, WV through his formative years, he developed a deep love of nature, specifically fishing, at a young age. Nothing made Gary happier than sitting on a river bank with a pole in one hand and a story about the size of the last fish he caught in the other.
When Gary wasn't on the river he could be found watching NASCAR, cheering on the Mountaineers, or relishing family time with his parents, brothers, and sisters. During the summer months he would volunteer countless hours at swim meets and in the fall he could be found assisting on the "band field".
While he would get side tracked from a project at home (like the dang shed for his momma) it was always to help a neighbor or friend in need - perhaps even just watching a squirrel climb a tree while daydreaming of grabbing his rod and tackle to head to the river.
Gary is survived by his parents and his maternal grandmother Janet Lee McDougal (Fairmont, WV). Gary's siblings, Spencer Coltan Hayes (CPL US Army, Fort Lewis, WA), Matthew Robert Miller-Hayes and his fiancé Haille Hatter (Virginia Wesleyan University, VA Beach, VA), Trevor Colin Hayes (Chesterfield, VA), Emily Lynn Hayes and her partner David Webb (Boyton Beach, FL), Sophia Caitlyn Hayes (VA Tech), and Charles Franklin Hayes (Chesterfield, VA) as well as a special niece Izzabella and nephew Connor (Chesterfield, VA) all miss him dearly and remain in a state of shock - Gary's need for speed and outgoing personality were always the life of family functions. We are all left to wonder who will fry the potatoes for breakfast?
Also surviving are his Aunts and Uncles, Shelly and Dennis Vernon, Jason Hayes, Tim Dovel, and Brandi and Greg Phillips. Cousins left behind include Tyler and Emily Mathess, Brandon Pritt, Elizabeth and Tyler Gum along with their son Mason, and Devin Vernon. He is also survived by numerous extended family and friends he held dear to his heart.
Waiting for him to join them in Heaven are his grandparents Gary Artenas Bennett (Fairmont, WV), Kathy Lynn Swecker (Elkins, WV), and Great-grandparents Donald and Zena Bennett (Dakota, WV). There is no doubt that his brother James Richard Miller II and his best friend Cam McDonald were waiting for him with open arms, a cold drink, and tackle box. Fish away boys! Don't let Zena fall in when she catches a turtle on 10lb line!
To know Gary one must understand his humble beginnings. Born to a 19-year-old single mom during struggling times Gary always saw the good and never dwelled on the material things that were a struggle to achieve. He would give away the shoes off his feet and coat off his back during a WV winter to a classmate in greater need than he. As evident in photographs, from a young age cowboy boots, oversized cowboy hats, underroos, and a pop gun holster were his fashion choice. The excitement he felt when he found boots and a hat in the first Walmart he entered upon moving to Texas made us all laugh with him!
His need for speed and love of all things "living on the edge" proved to give his parents stress wrinkles and grey hair (in fact, dad is now bald). Bicycles off of the roof of a house, fractured bones, concussion, and minimal needs for sleep all define his daredevil nature.
Words used to describe Gar-Bear by friends and coworkers alike include dedicated, selfless, charitable, chivalrous (don't mess with his middle school crush on the school bus), gregarious, and zest for life.
Gary was needlessly taken from this world in a tragic accident while changing the tire of his friend's truck along side I35 in Corinth, Texas. While his coworker was taken from this world at the site of the accident, in true Gary fashion he fought hard and long to hold on long enough to fulfill his 2013 Donate Life organ and tissue donation registration.
God works miracles. Gary's loss of earthly life is extending the very same thing in strangers.
A Celebration of Life will be held at his home at 507 Rothschild Drive, Chester, VA, on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Service will be held at 4pm with a gathering from 4pm - 6pm.
His family requests that you consider registering to be an organ and tissue donor and that you pray for the other families involved in this tragedy turned blessing for so many.
Donations in Gary's name can be made to Medical City Denton, 3535 S Interstate 35, Denton, TX 76210. Please direct donations to Floor 3, ICU North Family Fund. Gary received unmatched medical care, compassion, and respect during his final earthly days. Additionally, his employer, TGC Texas, has setup a gofundme to assist the family with his final costs as he did not have medical or life insurance.
Times West Virginian
Published on April 30, 2021
Go-Fund Me Page:
Sunday, April 25th was a devastating day for our TGC Texas family, families and friends of Gary Bennett and Gary Clark. Around 2:40pm they were struck by an intoxicated driver while changing a tire on the shoulder of I-35 in Corinth. Gary Clark was declared deceased at the scene and Gary Bennett was transported to the nearby hospital in critical condition. These families are grieving a tremendous loss and are needing our support.
11/19/90 - 4/27/2021
Gary came in to this world the same way he lived life - full speed ahead - on November 19, 1990, in Fairmont, West Virginia.
The son of Sharon Lyn and Curtis Franklin Hayes II (Retired CW4 US Army) of Chesterfield Virginia relocated to Virginia where he continued to share his zest for life in April of 2012. Mr Bennett-Hayes, or Gar-Bear as he was known to those who knew him best (a childhood nickname that embarrassed him but made him laugh) found work in the construction industry where he served in many capacities. His Jack Of All Trades and Master of Many quickly earned him a reputation for his great artistry and dedication to a job well done. This is not to say that his outgoing personality and insistence for things being done his way didn't cause him numerous "issues" along his journey. He loved nothing more than sharing his skillsets with those around him - by doing after becoming frustrated - while trying to teach and please those around him. The pride Gar-Bear took in his work was evident daily as he often sent photographs of the progress of each job.
A resident of Marion County, WV through his formative years, he developed a deep love of nature, specifically fishing, at a young age. Nothing made Gary happier than sitting on a river bank with a pole in one hand and a story about the size of the last fish he caught in the other.
When Gary wasn't on the river he could be found watching NASCAR, cheering on the Mountaineers, or relishing family time with his parents, brothers, and sisters. During the summer months he would volunteer countless hours at swim meets and in the fall he could be found assisting on the "band field".
While he would get side tracked from a project at home (like the dang shed for his momma) it was always to help a neighbor or friend in need - perhaps even just watching a squirrel climb a tree while daydreaming of grabbing his rod and tackle to head to the river.
Gary is survived by his parents and his maternal grandmother Janet Lee McDougal (Fairmont, WV). Gary's siblings, Spencer Coltan Hayes (CPL US Army, Fort Lewis, WA), Matthew Robert Miller-Hayes and his fiancé Haille Hatter (Virginia Wesleyan University, VA Beach, VA), Trevor Colin Hayes (Chesterfield, VA), Emily Lynn Hayes and her partner David Webb (Boyton Beach, FL), Sophia Caitlyn Hayes (VA Tech), and Charles Franklin Hayes (Chesterfield, VA) as well as a special niece Izzabella and nephew Connor (Chesterfield, VA) all miss him dearly and remain in a state of shock - Gary's need for speed and outgoing personality were always the life of family functions. We are all left to wonder who will fry the potatoes for breakfast?
Also surviving are his Aunts and Uncles, Shelly and Dennis Vernon, Jason Hayes, Tim Dovel, and Brandi and Greg Phillips. Cousins left behind include Tyler and Emily Mathess, Brandon Pritt, Elizabeth and Tyler Gum along with their son Mason, and Devin Vernon. He is also survived by numerous extended family and friends he held dear to his heart.
Waiting for him to join them in Heaven are his grandparents Gary Artenas Bennett (Fairmont, WV), Kathy Lynn Swecker (Elkins, WV), and Great-grandparents Donald and Zena Bennett (Dakota, WV). There is no doubt that his brother James Richard Miller II and his best friend Cam McDonald were waiting for him with open arms, a cold drink, and tackle box. Fish away boys! Don't let Zena fall in when she catches a turtle on 10lb line!
To know Gary one must understand his humble beginnings. Born to a 19-year-old single mom during struggling times Gary always saw the good and never dwelled on the material things that were a struggle to achieve. He would give away the shoes off his feet and coat off his back during a WV winter to a classmate in greater need than he. As evident in photographs, from a young age cowboy boots, oversized cowboy hats, underroos, and a pop gun holster were his fashion choice. The excitement he felt when he found boots and a hat in the first Walmart he entered upon moving to Texas made us all laugh with him!
His need for speed and love of all things "living on the edge" proved to give his parents stress wrinkles and grey hair (in fact, dad is now bald). Bicycles off of the roof of a house, fractured bones, concussion, and minimal needs for sleep all define his daredevil nature.
Words used to describe Gar-Bear by friends and coworkers alike include dedicated, selfless, charitable, chivalrous (don't mess with his middle school crush on the school bus), gregarious, and zest for life.
Gary was needlessly taken from this world in a tragic accident while changing the tire of his friend's truck along side I35 in Corinth, Texas. While his coworker was taken from this world at the site of the accident, in true Gary fashion he fought hard and long to hold on long enough to fulfill his 2013 Donate Life organ and tissue donation registration.
God works miracles. Gary's loss of earthly life is extending the very same thing in strangers.
A Celebration of Life will be held at his home at 507 Rothschild Drive, Chester, VA, on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Service will be held at 4pm with a gathering from 4pm - 6pm.
His family requests that you consider registering to be an organ and tissue donor and that you pray for the other families involved in this tragedy turned blessing for so many.
Donations in Gary's name can be made to Medical City Denton, 3535 S Interstate 35, Denton, TX 76210. Please direct donations to Floor 3, ICU North Family Fund. Gary received unmatched medical care, compassion, and respect during his final earthly days. Additionally, his employer, TGC Texas, has setup a gofundme to assist the family with his final costs as he did not have medical or life insurance.
Times West Virginian
Published on April 30, 2021
Go-Fund Me Page:
Sunday, April 25th was a devastating day for our TGC Texas family, families and friends of Gary Bennett and Gary Clark. Around 2:40pm they were struck by an intoxicated driver while changing a tire on the shoulder of I-35 in Corinth. Gary Clark was declared deceased at the scene and Gary Bennett was transported to the nearby hospital in critical condition. These families are grieving a tremendous loss and are needing our support.
Gary Artenas Bennett-Hayes
11/19/90 - 4/27/2021
Gary came in to this world the same way he lived life - full speed ahead - on November 19, 1990, in Fairmont, West Virginia.
The son of Sharon Lyn and Curtis Franklin Hayes II (Retired CW4 US Army) of Chesterfield Virginia relocated to Virginia where he continued to share his zest for life in April of 2012. Mr Bennett-Hayes, or Gar-Bear as he was known to those who knew him best (a childhood nickname that embarrassed him but made him laugh) found work in the construction industry where he served in many capacities. His Jack Of All Trades and Master of Many quickly earned him a reputation for his great artistry and dedication to a job well done. This is not to say that his outgoing personality and insistence for things being done his way didn't cause him numerous "issues" along his journey. He loved nothing more than sharing his skillsets with those around him - by doing after becoming frustrated - while trying to teach and please those around him. The pride Gar-Bear took in his work was evident daily as he often sent photographs of the progress of each job.
A resident of Marion County, WV through his formative years, he developed a deep love of nature, specifically fishing, at a young age. Nothing made Gary happier than sitting on a river bank with a pole in one hand and a story about the size of the last fish he caught in the other.
When Gary wasn't on the river he could be found watching NASCAR, cheering on the Mountaineers, or relishing family time with his parents, brothers, and sisters. During the summer months he would volunteer countless hours at swim meets and in the fall he could be found assisting on the "band field".
While he would get side tracked from a project at home (like the dang shed for his momma) it was always to help a neighbor or friend in need - perhaps even just watching a squirrel climb a tree while daydreaming of grabbing his rod and tackle to head to the river.
Gary is survived by his parents and his maternal grandmother Janet Lee McDougal (Fairmont, WV). Gary's siblings, Spencer Coltan Hayes (CPL US Army, Fort Lewis, WA), Matthew Robert Miller-Hayes and his fiancé Haille Hatter (Virginia Wesleyan University, VA Beach, VA), Trevor Colin Hayes (Chesterfield, VA), Emily Lynn Hayes and her partner David Webb (Boyton Beach, FL), Sophia Caitlyn Hayes (VA Tech), and Charles Franklin Hayes (Chesterfield, VA) as well as a special niece Izzabella and nephew Connor (Chesterfield, VA) all miss him dearly and remain in a state of shock - Gary's need for speed and outgoing personality were always the life of family functions. We are all left to wonder who will fry the potatoes for breakfast?
Also surviving are his Aunts and Uncles, Shelly and Dennis Vernon, Jason Hayes, Tim Dovel, and Brandi and Greg Phillips. Cousins left behind include Tyler and Emily Mathess, Brandon Pritt, Elizabeth and Tyler Gum along with their son Mason, and Devin Vernon. He is also survived by numerous extended family and friends he held dear to his heart.
Waiting for him to join them in Heaven are his grandparents Gary Artenas Bennett (Fairmont, WV), Kathy Lynn Swecker (Elkins, WV), and Great-grandparents Donald and Zena Bennett (Dakota, WV). There is no doubt that his brother James Richard Miller II and his best friend Cam McDonald were waiting for him with open arms, a cold drink, and tackle box. Fish away boys! Don't let Zena fall in when she catches a turtle on 10lb line!
To know Gary one must understand his humble beginnings. Born to a 19-year-old single mom during struggling times Gary always saw the good and never dwelled on the material things that were a struggle to achieve. He would give away the shoes off his feet and coat off his back during a WV winter to a classmate in greater need than he. As evident in photographs, from a young age cowboy boots, oversized cowboy hats, underroos, and a pop gun holster were his fashion choice. The excitement he felt when he found boots and a hat in the first Walmart he entered upon moving to Texas made us all laugh with him!
His need for speed and love of all things "living on the edge" proved to give his parents stress wrinkles and grey hair (in fact, dad is now bald). Bicycles off of the roof of a house, fractured bones, concussion, and minimal needs for sleep all define his daredevil nature.
Words used to describe Gar-Bear by friends and coworkers alike include dedicated, selfless, charitable, chivalrous (don't mess with his middle school crush on the school bus), gregarious, and zest for life.
Gary was needlessly taken from this world in a tragic accident while changing the tire of his friend's truck along side I35 in Corinth, Texas. While his coworker was taken from this world at the site of the accident, in true Gary fashion he fought hard and long to hold on long enough to fulfill his 2013 Donate Life organ and tissue donation registration.
God works miracles. Gary's loss of earthly life is extending the very same thing in strangers.
A Celebration of Life will be held at his home at 507 Rothschild Drive, Chester, VA, on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Service will be held at 4pm with a gathering from 4pm - 6pm.
His family requests that you consider registering to be an organ and tissue donor and that you pray for the other families involved in this tragedy turned blessing for so many.
Donations in Gary's name can be made to Medical City Denton, 3535 S Interstate 35, Denton, TX 76210. Please direct donations to Floor 3, ICU North Family Fund. Gary received unmatched medical care, compassion, and respect during his final earthly days. Additionally, his employer, TGC Texas, has setup a gofundme to assist the family with his final costs as he did not have medical or life insurance.
Times West Virginian
Published on April 30, 2021
Go-Fund Me Page:
Sunday, April 25th was a devastating day for our TGC Texas family, families and friends of Gary Bennett and Gary Clark. Around 2:40pm they were struck by an intoxicated driver while changing a tire on the shoulder of I-35 in Corinth. Gary Clark was declared deceased at the scene and Gary Bennett was transported to the nearby hospital in critical condition. These families are grieving a tremendous loss and are needing our support.
11/19/90 - 4/27/2021
Gary came in to this world the same way he lived life - full speed ahead - on November 19, 1990, in Fairmont, West Virginia.
The son of Sharon Lyn and Curtis Franklin Hayes II (Retired CW4 US Army) of Chesterfield Virginia relocated to Virginia where he continued to share his zest for life in April of 2012. Mr Bennett-Hayes, or Gar-Bear as he was known to those who knew him best (a childhood nickname that embarrassed him but made him laugh) found work in the construction industry where he served in many capacities. His Jack Of All Trades and Master of Many quickly earned him a reputation for his great artistry and dedication to a job well done. This is not to say that his outgoing personality and insistence for things being done his way didn't cause him numerous "issues" along his journey. He loved nothing more than sharing his skillsets with those around him - by doing after becoming frustrated - while trying to teach and please those around him. The pride Gar-Bear took in his work was evident daily as he often sent photographs of the progress of each job.
A resident of Marion County, WV through his formative years, he developed a deep love of nature, specifically fishing, at a young age. Nothing made Gary happier than sitting on a river bank with a pole in one hand and a story about the size of the last fish he caught in the other.
When Gary wasn't on the river he could be found watching NASCAR, cheering on the Mountaineers, or relishing family time with his parents, brothers, and sisters. During the summer months he would volunteer countless hours at swim meets and in the fall he could be found assisting on the "band field".
While he would get side tracked from a project at home (like the dang shed for his momma) it was always to help a neighbor or friend in need - perhaps even just watching a squirrel climb a tree while daydreaming of grabbing his rod and tackle to head to the river.
Gary is survived by his parents and his maternal grandmother Janet Lee McDougal (Fairmont, WV). Gary's siblings, Spencer Coltan Hayes (CPL US Army, Fort Lewis, WA), Matthew Robert Miller-Hayes and his fiancé Haille Hatter (Virginia Wesleyan University, VA Beach, VA), Trevor Colin Hayes (Chesterfield, VA), Emily Lynn Hayes and her partner David Webb (Boyton Beach, FL), Sophia Caitlyn Hayes (VA Tech), and Charles Franklin Hayes (Chesterfield, VA) as well as a special niece Izzabella and nephew Connor (Chesterfield, VA) all miss him dearly and remain in a state of shock - Gary's need for speed and outgoing personality were always the life of family functions. We are all left to wonder who will fry the potatoes for breakfast?
Also surviving are his Aunts and Uncles, Shelly and Dennis Vernon, Jason Hayes, Tim Dovel, and Brandi and Greg Phillips. Cousins left behind include Tyler and Emily Mathess, Brandon Pritt, Elizabeth and Tyler Gum along with their son Mason, and Devin Vernon. He is also survived by numerous extended family and friends he held dear to his heart.
Waiting for him to join them in Heaven are his grandparents Gary Artenas Bennett (Fairmont, WV), Kathy Lynn Swecker (Elkins, WV), and Great-grandparents Donald and Zena Bennett (Dakota, WV). There is no doubt that his brother James Richard Miller II and his best friend Cam McDonald were waiting for him with open arms, a cold drink, and tackle box. Fish away boys! Don't let Zena fall in when she catches a turtle on 10lb line!
To know Gary one must understand his humble beginnings. Born to a 19-year-old single mom during struggling times Gary always saw the good and never dwelled on the material things that were a struggle to achieve. He would give away the shoes off his feet and coat off his back during a WV winter to a classmate in greater need than he. As evident in photographs, from a young age cowboy boots, oversized cowboy hats, underroos, and a pop gun holster were his fashion choice. The excitement he felt when he found boots and a hat in the first Walmart he entered upon moving to Texas made us all laugh with him!
His need for speed and love of all things "living on the edge" proved to give his parents stress wrinkles and grey hair (in fact, dad is now bald). Bicycles off of the roof of a house, fractured bones, concussion, and minimal needs for sleep all define his daredevil nature.
Words used to describe Gar-Bear by friends and coworkers alike include dedicated, selfless, charitable, chivalrous (don't mess with his middle school crush on the school bus), gregarious, and zest for life.
Gary was needlessly taken from this world in a tragic accident while changing the tire of his friend's truck along side I35 in Corinth, Texas. While his coworker was taken from this world at the site of the accident, in true Gary fashion he fought hard and long to hold on long enough to fulfill his 2013 Donate Life organ and tissue donation registration.
God works miracles. Gary's loss of earthly life is extending the very same thing in strangers.
A Celebration of Life will be held at his home at 507 Rothschild Drive, Chester, VA, on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Service will be held at 4pm with a gathering from 4pm - 6pm.
His family requests that you consider registering to be an organ and tissue donor and that you pray for the other families involved in this tragedy turned blessing for so many.
Donations in Gary's name can be made to Medical City Denton, 3535 S Interstate 35, Denton, TX 76210. Please direct donations to Floor 3, ICU North Family Fund. Gary received unmatched medical care, compassion, and respect during his final earthly days. Additionally, his employer, TGC Texas, has setup a gofundme to assist the family with his final costs as he did not have medical or life insurance.
Times West Virginian
Published on April 30, 2021
Go-Fund Me Page:
Sunday, April 25th was a devastating day for our TGC Texas family, families and friends of Gary Bennett and Gary Clark. Around 2:40pm they were struck by an intoxicated driver while changing a tire on the shoulder of I-35 in Corinth. Gary Clark was declared deceased at the scene and Gary Bennett was transported to the nearby hospital in critical condition. These families are grieving a tremendous loss and are needing our support.
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