DOVER---Melvin Hayes, Jr. died Sunday, April 24, 2011 at St. Clare's Hospital, Dover following a brief illness. He was 73.

Born in Chester, SC, he lived in Boonton for 24 years, then Hopatcong for 3 years before moving to Dover 8 years ago.

Mr. Hayes was a machine operator with Whippany Paper Board Co., Whippany for 20 years before retiring in 2001.

He graduated from Boonton High School

He was a longtime member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Boonton Township.

A son, Mitchell Hayes, died in 1998.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Louise (nee Mills); two sons, Willie of Boonton and Mark of Orange Park, FL; a daughter, Rosina Taylor of Orange Park, FL; four brothers, John H. of Great Falls, SC, Thomas of Rock Hill, SC, Leonard K. of Great Falls, SC and Henry B. of Lake Hiawatha; a sister, Mevina Dixon of Chester, SC; four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 30th at 10:30 A.M. at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 4 Church Rd., Boonton Township with entombment to follow at Restland Memorial Park Chapel Mausoleum, East Hanover. Friends may call Friday 7-9 PM only at the church.

Arrangements are by Mackey Funeral Home (mackeyfh.com), 107 Essex Ave., Boonton