At the age of 99, longtime Ypsilanti resident and Word War II Marine Veteran peacefully passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2021 following a short illness.

A very special thanks goes to Saline Evangelical Home for allowing family members precious moments with him, in the face of COVID-19 restrictions, as he passed away.

Mack was born June 16, 1921 in Portagefield, MO, the son of William and Lula (Ford) Hayes.

He enlisted October 22, 1942, during World War II, in the U.S. Marine Corps and served on the USS Block Island (CVE 106), a U.S. Navy Escort Carrier, as an aircraft mechanic.

After his military service, Mack was an owner/operator of Hi-Speed, Pure Oil and Union76 Service Stations in Ypsilanti. He later worked for and retired from Ford Motor Company.

On October 13, 1970, he married Betty Sue Walker and she survives.

Mack enjoyed gardening, fishing and telling stories from his past.

In addition to his loving wife of 50 years, survivors include: seven children, Peggy (Johnie) Music, Michael (Frankie) Hayes, Claudia Waller, Beth (Edgar) Cook, Marcia (Al) Garrison, Mark (Carol) Hayes and Elaine (Jerry) Clark; seven stepchildren, Diane, Joan, Vicky, Ken, Keith, Jeff and Steve; twenty grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; eleven step grandchildren; nineteen great step grandchildren; four step great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: his first wife Mildred (Yoh) Hayes in 1969; daughter Sally Gibson in 2020; grandson Anthony McGeorge; step granddaughter Tracy Garrett; siblings, Claud "Pete" Hayes and John Wesley Hayes; and half siblings, Jesse Leroy Hayes, Coney Hayes, Eva Mae Rock Wynn, Harry Hayes, Harvel Hayes, Mary Rock Terwilliger, Rachel Rock Wilbanks, Robert Willis Hayes and Jessie Rock.

The graveside service will be 11 am Monday, March 1, 2021 at Knollwood Memorial Park, 1299 N. Ridge Road, Canton, MI where military honors will be accorded. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Lions Club. Envelopes are available at Stark Funeral Professionals where visitation will be 2-8 pm Sunday, February 28, 2021.

Due to the current Covid restrictions and adhering to the state guidelines to keep everyone safe, capacity will be limited, social distancing and masks will be required and all safety measures will be followed.