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Submitted: 8/29/20 • Approved: 9/4/20 • Last Updated: 9/7/20 • R279292-G279290-S3
MAJOR US Marine Corps
Vietnam
November 4, 1931 - August 13, 2010
Pauline
July 30, 1937 - July 24, 2012
Photo used with permission of Kerry Keller
Mr. Sayes, age 78, a native and resident of Vick, passed away at Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria on Friday, August 13, 2010. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hannon and Ida Gorham Sayes, brother, Willie Sayes, sister-in-law, Nellie Sayes, brother, Winston Sayes and sister Edith Nell Sayes. Mr. Sayes began his career as a midshipman in the US Naval Academy in 1950. After graduating from the academy as a 2nd Lt., he attended flight training and served as a pilot on various bases in the US and Japan until he became a member of the joint staff and "Blue Eagles in Hawaii" and later transitioned to flying helicopters and flew combat missions in Viet Nam . He was assigned to Hawaii, Okinawa and flew search and rescue missions out of Nam Phong, Thailand. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1974 and began his civilian life flying helicopters for a large oil company in Indonesia. He received 19 air medals, 2 distinguished flying crosses, the Presidential Unit Citation, two Navy Unit Commendations and a Meritorious Commendation. He is survived by his wife, Pauline Sayes of Vick, one daughter, Leslie Balfour and husband Bruce of Novato, California, one step-daughter, Rebecca McNeal Stuart of Greer, South Carolina, two step-sons, Robert McNeal of Vick, Chris McNeal of Houston, Texas, three brothers, Byron Sayes of Lake Jackson, Texas, Malcom Sayes and wife Avie Normand Sayes of Baton Rouge, Joe Sayes and wife Bobbie Smith Sayes of Tylertown, Mississippi, two grandchildren, Heather and Hope Wilson, eight step-grandchildren, Brian, Zachary and Caleb McNeal, Garrett Stuart, Isaac and Brooke McNeal, Julia Stuart, Lauren McNeal, many special cousins and their families and many devoted friends
Contributed on 8/29/20
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Record #: 279292