Tuesday, January 9, 2018, Malcolm Frederick Hayles, beloved husband of Louise Zlata Hayles (deceased), went home to his Lord and Savior. He walked the earth in obedience to God, leaving behind a legacy of strong faith and love for Christ.

He was born Dec 24, 1919 at the Ridge in Monroe County, Alabama to Leila and Henry Hayles where he lived with his siblings Mary Lea, Annie Maude, and James. After graduating high school in Monroeville, Alabama, he attended Southwestern College (currently Rhodes College) and Auburn University. WWII cut short his job as junior engineer with the Alabama Highway Department. As a member of the 79th Fighter Squadron, he piloted P40 and P47 fighter planes in the Africa-Italy campaign flying 106 documented missions for which he received numerous military awards and recognition. After the war, he returned to Monroeville to coach high school football and baseball. Employment opportunities led him to Mobile where he met the love of his life, Louise. A 3-month courtship developed into a beautiful marriage celebrating 68 years together. His love for her continued even after she went to be with the Lord in 2014.
As a young couple, they returned to Monroeville for 6 years before moving to Ft. Walton for his employment with Civil Service and Vitro Services. During this season of life, he completed his degree in Industrial Management at the University of West Florida.

Although he was very active in many community activities such a fund-raising events, serving multiple terms as PTA president, state PTA delegate, local events speaker, and coaching Little League baseball, his main focus was helping share God's truth to impact eternity. At First United Methodist Church, he served as chairman of numerous committees, including the Administrative Board, Trustees, Building, Staff-Parish Relations, and was also elected as conference delegate. FWB Laymen's Award, given for his contribution to the spiritual life and welfare of the community, was one of many recognitions he received for his service. Other accomplishments and honors could be listed, but his steadfast devotion to spreading God's Word was his priority and was evidenced by his service in teaching the same Sunday School class for 65+ years, the home Bible Studies he led, and the opportunities he was given to preach. He loved earnestly studying the Bible to fulfill his part in the Great Commission and used every resource and talent he was given to grow God's Kingdom. He was faithful, strong, consistent, and committed in all areas of his life, but most of all in his walk with the Lord. 

This faithful commitment is a legacy and challenge he leaves to his children Rick(Helen) Hayles and Joan Smith, grandchildren Sara(Brian) Calhoun, Ty Smith, and Eric(Angela) Hayles, great-grandchildren Savanna and Micah Calhoun, Maddox and Kaylynn Hayles, and Tyson Smith, as well as loving nieces, nephews, and in-laws. May our hearts reflect with joy as we look back on the life he lived on earth and the impact he made for the Kingdom. But may we look forward with great anticipation for the reunion we will one day have in Heaven because of the hope and assurance we have in Jesus Christ. May we all live and love as he did.

Please join us for a celebration of his life and legacy, Monday, January 15, 2018, at First United Methodist Church, Fort Walton Beach, Florida; Visitation 10:00 am, Celebration of Life Service 11:00 am, Burial at Beal Memorial Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in his name to First United Methodist Church, FWB or Highland Baptist Church, Molino, Florida. Expressions of love and sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.mclaughlinmortuary.com

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