Merlin L. Hayes, Jr.

Merlin L. Hayes, Jr., 27, was born on July 13, 1993 in Cleveland, Ohio and was the only son to the union of Merlin L. Hayes, Sr., (deceased) and Michelle L. Davis-Hayes. Merlin had a jovial spirit and affectionally called “Lil Merl” by his family. Merl Jr., was a genuine loving man who would embrace his family members with a “hug” and an infectious smile which would light up a room, touch and warm everyone’s heart. He brought love, laughter, happiness and was the “Bright Light” in our family with his charismatic, and optimistic attitude about life here on earth. Always had a kind word to say to anyone he would meet because he never met a stranger. He made a big impact in our family lives, his friends, Baldwin Wallace Scholars, Tau Kappa Epsilon, (TKE) fraternity, co-workers and anyone who interacted with him. “My beloved son, Merlin L. Hayes, Jr., was our “Angel” and a “Blessing and Gift from God” who walked along beside us, protecting us from any danger or harm. He loved his mother, sisters’, brothers’, fiancée and family with all of his heart.” He had a “Heart of Gold” filled with love, sincerity and positivity which radiated off of him. Merlin, Jr., loved the Lord and was a humble servant who received and accepted Christ at an early age at Allen Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. He rested safe in the arms of God on Sunday, May 30, 2021.

Merlin received his first formal education as a Head Start child and later through the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and graduated from John Adams High School, (Rebels), with the Baldwin Wallace Scholars Program. He furthered his education and graduated from Cleveland State University, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications. He always had an excellent work ethic as a young man, and received his first job through Youth Opportunities Unlimited where he was placed at NEORSD; he worked several part-time jobs while in college at Cibero’s restaurant, Sherwin-Williams, Cleveland State Wolstein Center and as a manager at Pizza Fire to further his education. After graduating from CSU, he found gainful employment as a Banker/Teller at Fifth Third Bank and later at Chase Bank.

His dream after graduating college was to become a News Sportscaster for ESPN as he was an avid sports fan of all Cleveland Sports Teams #ALLINCLE; especially football. He was a die-hard Cleveland Browns fan whether they were in the playoffs or not! He had recently attended an event at the Browns Stadium where he met Tony Rizzo, Sports Media personality who had offered him an Internship with his organization to pursue his dream in communications. Outside of work, Merl, Jr. was actively involved in his father’s “Merlin L. Hayes, Sr., Pancake Breakfast” for Head Start fathers’ which is held annually at Step Forward (formerly CEOGC) from a young child to his adult years. He was also an active member of TKE where he served as the Recruitment Chair for the fraternity. As a TKE member, he would volunteer his time and services for St. Jude’s activities, Harvest for Hunger and Ronald McDonald House on a continuous basis. He was currently mentoring a young man at Euclid Heights High School for the Baldwin Wallace Scholars’ program and was also an active Football Coach for the “Ravens” at the I9 Sports program for Youth ages 8-10 years of age. “Well done My Son”
“Be comforted by my Life, be comforted by my Love, find comfort knowing my soul has found rest in our
Heavenly Father above. LaShawn Moore-Bostic”

“Well Done my Good and Faithful Servant” Matthew 25:23
To cherish his love and memories, he leaves his Grandmother, Carrie B. Davis of Kansas City, Mo.; Mother, Michelle and Ashley N. Hayes, (Baby Sister) of Cleveland, Ohio; Brecia Heard, (Sister) of Cleveland, Ohio; Marquell Keaton (Brother) of Cleveland, Ohio; Brian Laury (Brother) of Warrenville Heights, Ohio and his fiancée Jayla Garner. Uncle Fredrick Davis of Euclid, Ohio; Aunt Lynell Davis of South Euclid, Ohio, Aunt Kressia Phillips (Craig) of Kansas City, Mo; Aunt Crystal Robinson, (Jay) of Kansas City, Mo; Aunt Jean Hayes of Cleveland, Ohio; Uncle Calvin Hayes of Cleveland, Ohio; Aunt Marita Hayes of Shaker Heights, Ohio; Aunt Linda Hayes of Cleveland, Ohio; Aunt Jackie Hayes of Cleveland, Ohio; Uncle Michael Hayes of Miami, Florida, Uncle Johnny Hayes of Cleveland, Ohio; Uncle Silas Hayes, Cleveland, Ohio; Great Uncle, Otis Davis, (Judy) of Abbeville, Alabama, Great Aunt Dorothy Dozier of New Jersey; Great Aunt/Uncle Dr.’s Juanita Witherspoon (James) of Detroit, Michigan; Great Aunt Brenda Fields of West Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; Great Uncle Dennis Wilson of Atlanta Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.