William “Bert” Hayes, 89, of Champaign, passed away at 8:25 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, at Champaign County Nursing Home, Urbana.

Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, from 7 to 8 p.m., at Heath and Vaughn Funeral Home, 201 N. Elm, Champaign. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

Bert was born Nov. 22, 1922, in Champaign, the son of William and Blanche (Shirley) Hayes. He was a life-long resident of Champaign, a local legend. He attended Holy Cross School and Champaign High School before attending the University of Illinois where he studied business and was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.

He married Carroll Lowitz after serving as a Lieutenant in World War II in Europe.

He is the father of three children, William Bertram Hayes III, Denver, Colo., Carroll Anawalt, Pasadena, Calif. and Jack Hayes, Champaign.

He entered into the family business of real estate brokerage and appraisal. He was an avid hunter, golfer with 13 hole in ones and coached hockey and baseball. He played gin rummy with hi friends at Tumble Inn.

He lived life large, was rich with many friendships, and will be greatly missed.

Online condolences to the family may be offered at www.HeathandVaughn.com.