ELGIN – Major (USMC-Retired) Albert L. Hayes, 69, was placed in Fort Jackson National Cemetery on Tuesday, 11 March 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Mr. Hayes passed away in his sleep early Sunday morning, 02 March 2014, on the way to the Grand Caymans. Born in Baltimore Maryland, he was the son of the late Frederick E. Hayes Sr. and the late Beatrice (Neumeister) Hayes. Mr. Hayes joined the United States Marine Corps as a Private 1959, served in Vietnam, spent a 23 year career as an Explosive Ordinance Dispoal (EOD) Technician, retiring as a Major in 1982. He then spent a year and half at college, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration degree. He later became a government civilian employee working with the Department of the Navy, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Research and Development in 1984; serving his country again for another 27 years. His whole life was EOD, his wife of 50 years and his family. After his second retirement he was so excited to move to Elgin SC with his bride and it meant so much to him to be there. There was never a day that went by that he didn't say to his wife "I'm so happy to be here with you." Mr. Hayes was an awesome husband, father and mentor. Survived by his wife of 50 years, Jane E. (Newton) Hayes, formerly of Waverly, Ohio; daughters Terrisa and her husband Dan Bernard, Ingrid Hayes; Beatrice Ann Grauer (sister) her husband Paul Grauer, Conrad G. Hayes (brother) and his wife Cathy, as well as nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Frederick E. Hayes Jr. The family extends a special thanks to all of the Royal Caribbean "Brilliance of the Seas" Cruise Staff, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Dr. Nikki Keisler (Columbia, SC) , Adams and Jennings Funeral Home (Tampa, FL), Powers Funeral Home (Lugoff, SC), Connie and Derrick Hancock (Bradenton, FL) and Lisa and Gord Manstan (Bradenton, FL) for their loving support and care. Mr. Hayes did not want a formal service. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation made in Al Hayes' name to the EOD Warrior Foundation http://www.eodwarriorfoundation.org/