Service Details
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Thursday, March 19, 2026, for a visitation from 10:00 am – 11:00 am.
A service celebrating his life and Homegoing will follow at 11:00 am.
Racine – Thomas “Pee Wee” O. Hayes, 81, passed away at Lincoln Park Nursing Home on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
He was born in Alamo, TN, on July 13, 1944, to Roland O. and Lucy M. (nee Ewing) Hayes. He was one of 10 children. The Hayes relocated to Racine, WI, in the 1950’s and was educated in the Racine Unified School System.
Thomas was an avid musician who loved playing the blues. He started playing the guitar at an early age with his father and brothers. This gave him the opportunity to meet many of the older musicians. It also gave Thomas the opportunity to play with Little Milton, Buddy Guy, and B.B. King, who was a lifelong friend of his father. Thomas and his brother, Charles (Hog) were inducted into the Wisconsin Blues Hall of Fame in November of 2024. Thomas traveled around the United States playing his blues at many festivals from New York to Colorado. He will be missed by the music world.
Thomas was also an avid fisherman. He was at home on any fishing bank, complaining about the big one that got away. He was also a good storyteller, telling stories about Brother Fox, Brother Rabbit, Sister Hen, and many more animals. He could keep you mesmerized for hours with these stories.
Thomas leaves to cherish his memory, his siblings, Mary Carothers of Taylor, MS, Robert (Annie) Hayes, Larry Hayes, JoAnn (Ricky) McMorris, Joe Hayes, Willie Hayes, and Wilma Hayes, all of Racine. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins, too numerous to count, as well as special friends, Juanita Cobbins, Calvin Plunkett, and Larry Pillows.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Lucy Hayes; two brothers, Charles and John Hayes; his paternal and maternal grandparents; his brother-in-law, Cordis Carothers; and sisters-in-law, Dorothy Hayes and Joan Hayes.
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday, March 19, 2026, for a visitation from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. A service celebrating his life and Homegoing will follow at 11:00 am.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at Lincoln Park Nursing Home, especially Cynthia Tyler, who looked after him in his last days.
The Westmoreland Family says
Sending prayers and condolences to the entire family. Peace be with you.
Beverly Golden-Reynolds (Bobbie) says
Our prayers and condolences go out to the Hayes family. May God give you strength to bare the loss of your love one. May he rest in peace 🙏🏾💙🕯️Love ya’ll
JoAnn Oliver says
My condolences to the Hayes Family
James Carodine says
A noted friend and family member we shared the stage together at times (RIP) rest til paradise peace and love to the family
Bonnie Gardner Oliver says
My condolences to the Families and Friends. May God bring you comfort and peace 😔❤️
Gary Martin says
My condolences to your entire family
Gracie Witherspoon says
🌷 To the family of PeeWee Hayes, I offer my most sincere and heartfelt condolences. I pray for your strength, your comfort and your unity as you are going through this period of grief. God bless you, 🕊I love you all❣️
Linda Campbell says
Prayers and condolences to the Hayes Family the passing of your beloved brother Thomas Pee wee 🙏
Jeff (Jake) and Carolyn Hayes says
Our prayers and thoughts from the (Texas Hayes family) cuz. You will be totally missed and remembered by all who knew you. RIP cuz
Ann Kirkwood and Family says
Praying for the family and friends of Mr. Pee Wee Hayes during your time of sorrow 🙏🏾May God surround you with his peace🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Daris J Hodges says
Sincere condolences and prayers to the Hayes family. May God strengthen you all during your times of need.
Lillian Boykin and family says
My deepest condolences to the Hayes family ,I enjoyed talking with Pee Wee when I worked at the Bryant center.
Calvin Plunkett says
REAL BROTHER.
Evangelist Lynda Hyler says
Condolences to the family Peace be with you all 🙏
Darlene Farr and Family says
Condolences to the Hayes Family on the passing of Mr. PeeWee. His name indicated something small but instead he was a Giant when it came to strumming his guitar, belting out the Blues. RIP Mr. Hayes
Lillian Boykin and family says
My deepest condolences to the Hayes family May God Bless you all
Joanne Tucker-Powell & Family says
We are sending our condolences and prayers 🙏 to Pee Wee Hayes family and all those who love him 🙏 ❤️ Pee Wee was my Husband best friend. We loved him ❤️ RIP Pee Wee. You will be missed.
Cynthia Tyler and family says
Sending my prayers and my condolences to you and your family.
Joyce Shelton-Smith says
Sorry for your loss praying for family and love ones.
York and Trussell Family says
Family sending our love and prayers to you all
Sherby A Oliver says
Condolences to the Hayes Family.
Joyce Caldwell says
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends. 🙏
Orven brown says
To the family we all just passing through just a few words of encouragement I’m going to my musicians friend
Stacey Moore & Family says
We send our condolences , sympathies & prayers of comfort to the Hayes family during this difficult this difficult time & the days to come .
CARMEN BIG MINNIE DAUGHTER says
REST EASY PEEWEE I NO YOU AND BIG MINNIE FISHING GOOD AT YALL FAVORITE FISH DITCH LOVE ALWAYS YOU WILL BE TRULY MISSED CARMEN AND FAMILY ❤️
Carroll Mosley and Family says
To the Family of Thomas Pee wee Hayes our prayers and condolences to you all may God comfort you all love you all your extended family the Mosleys
Angie says
My condolences to the family
Mary Tucker Williams says
My sincere condolences to the family. Praying for your strength during this difficult time.
🌹Charles and Glorious Hicks says
We extend our deepest condolences to the Family of Pee Wee. 💐
Anonymous says
Prayers and condolences for the Hayes family. The Tighe family
Howard and hattie nicks says
Pee wee we going to miss u always coming in Wal-Mart making me laugh telling about Washington Ave I said no. He would keep on talking an I would laugh. He was a fun person always making me laugh. Rip
Luv ❤️
Mary Jeffries & The Bedford Family says
Sincere condolences to the Hayes Family. May God grant you comfort at this most difficult time.
Ron Funk says
My deepest condolences to the Hayes Family. I had the privilege to share the stage with him in Pee Wee Hayes and the Lightning Blues Band in the early 90’s. He taught me a lot about playing the blues after being a classic rock drummer.
The Cotton family says
Condolences to the Hayes family.