Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Donald Ray Hayes

Marion County Sheriff's Office, South Carolina

End of Watch Sunday, May 3, 1987

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Donald Ray Hayes

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Hayes.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 22, 2022

I knew & worked with deputy Hayes on my first assignment with the SCHP in Marion county, He was a joy to know, Sadly missed & will always be remembered by those of us lucky enough to have known him ..

Ben McCaskill
S.C.H.P. (Friend)

October 20, 2021

Rest easy brother, never forgotten

Judge / magistrate Sheridan Lynn (former
Aiken County, S.C.

May 3, 2019

God bless you, your family and all LE brothers and sisters

Judge /retired SC Trooper Danny Lynn
Aiken County, SC

May 3, 2017

There are so many people,that love you and still miss you after 29 years.I feel so blessed to have had you in my life to love and be loved by you.I think some times I would give everything I have , just to have one more day with you, but then I realize that one day would not be enough.I love and miss you just as much today as I did 29 years ago when you were taken away from us.

Marilyn Hayes
Wife

May 3, 2016

you were my brother in law, a great person and I love and miss you, you would be so proud of your son Michael, he looks just like you, you have a great grandson matthew, I wish he could have know you, he is a great and smart young man, thank you for all you done for us all, we miss you

linda grice
sister in law

May 3, 2016

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

May 3, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty-second anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

I hold your family in thought and prayer today and pray for their solace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

May 3, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 5, 2008

Deputy Sheriff Hayes,
Thank you Sir for your service and sacrifice.. May the Lord be with your family today and always..Rest in Peace..

Joyce
Sister of Officer John P Harris EOW 8/19/1994

April 18, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept.

July 10, 2007

Thank you for your service to your fellowman. You will not be forgotten. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

May 3, 2007

Dear Donald Ray
I Came to know you when I first wet to work with the sheriff's office as a deputy in 1984 and later we became best friends working on the same shift together. Donald Ray touched my life in many ways, he was the most kind hearted person I ever met.I've never forgot that day, It was the most hardest thing I ever had to face.I have struggle for years with this tragic event that cut so deep into my heart and soul.We were more than than just partners we were friends to the very end. I will never forget Saterday,May 2, 1987 no one knows the pain one suffers from such a tragic event but those that have been involved such as this. To a fallen HERO Donald Ray you are always on my heart and mind everyday.
Greg Walker
Marion County Sheriff's Office

DEPUTY SHERIFF GREG WALKER
MARION COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

July 22, 2005

Rest in peace brother.. We have the watch now. Keep watch on us from you beat in heaven!

Special Agent
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)

October 4, 2004

MY BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED. A HERO FOR SURE. YOU SERVED WELL.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

May 3, 2004

Donald, we remember you, brother.

Thank you for you duty.

Deputy Ross Mueske
U.S. Marshals Service

May 3, 2004

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.