Wilbert Bill Hayes III
Wilbert Bill Hayes III was born on April 18, 1980 in Chicago to Mary-Ann Lloyd-Jackson and Wilbur “Bill” Hayes. Wilbert was the oldest of 12 siblings, and was deemed the name “Lil Man” by family for that reason as he was wise beyond his years.
Wilbert grew up on the north side of Chicago, and attended Senn High School, class of 1998…later graduating with an Associate’s Degree from Morton College for Criminal Justice. Wilbert believed in God and strived to lead by example for his siblings and his village of family and friends.
Wilbert wore many hats in his life, and held many titles. In 1998, Wilbert began to work for Washtown Equipment Co, in which he picked up the nickname “Junior”, servicing many laundromats and nursing homes and was loved by everyone. He continued to work at Washtown until moving on to the Chicago Fire Department in 2009. He embarked on this new career path with his best friend, Raydale McGee who continues to serve as a Chicago Firefighter. Wilbert loved his job, and his coworkers. He was forever learning, and was passionate to help others grow within the department. He began as a Firefighter at Engine 76 Truck 35 before becoming a driver; later being promoted to Engineer and spending time at the Chicago Fire Academy as an instructor. Most recently Wilbert was assigned to Engine 16 earlier this year.
In addition to Wilbert’s career at the Chicago Fire Department, WIlbert also worked as a Fire Safety Officer for Mccormick Place for the last 10 years. Also, he was a Realtor for Century 21 Universal, and with his support, his wife became a Realtor as well. Wilbert often downplayed how extraordinary of a person he was, but it’s worth mentioning that he was also the Realtor, for his mom, dad, sister, and many friends.
As Wilbert wore many hats and had many titles, his most important was his family hat with his favorite title of “Dad”. He was very selfless, and would often say that he only had 2 kids because he had many other kids in the family to keep him busy. In summers, when Mia and Marcell were younger, he would have the house filled with children, and he made sure they attended summer camp with his own kids as well.
Wilbert began dating the love of his life, LaToya Hughes in 2000. They would later marry in March 2012 having been together for the last 23 years.
Wilbert leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, LaToya Hayes; his daughter Mia Hayes; his son Marcell Hughes; a granddaughter Aubrie Hughes; his mother Mary-Ann Lloyd-Jackson (stepfather Stephen Jackson); his father Wilbur Bill Hayes (stepmother Nadine Hayes); mother-in-law Johnnie Hughes and father-in-law Morris Little; his 8 sisters Raven, Miriam, Billie, Brittany, Fatima, Megan (Billy) Kidd, Taylor, and Kandi; his 4 brothers Anthony (Shania), Brian, Mario, and Josh; his brother-in-law Edmond (Nellie) Hughes and a host of many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles & friends including his Chicago Fire Department Family.
Visitation for Firefighter Hayes will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 10:00am until time of funeral service at 12:30pm. Interment will be at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery.
August 9, 2023 – 12:00pm cst
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