Richard Lee Hayden

Richard “Festus” Hayden, of Juliette, Georgia went home to Jesus on March 18, 2026 at age 73. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 12:00 PM, at Juliette United Methodist Church. Reverend Stanley Harrell will officiate. The family will greet friends one hour before the service. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.

Richard was born on January 31, 1953, in Vidalia, Georgia, to the late Otis Lee Hayden, Jr. and Sarah Elizabeth Ellis Hayden. Richard met his wife, Judy Kunka Hayden at Ocmulgee Fields where they both worked. They Married in 1992 and shared four children, Julie Burkhalter (Jason Bryant) of Gray, Angel Stewart (Jonathan) of Gray, David Hayden (Elizabeth) of Byron, and Kimberly Smith of Macon; his eight grandchildren; his six great-grandchildren; his brother, Glen Hayden (Kathryn); his niece Heather Grauss (Brett) and his nephew Lawson Hayden. Richards joins his parents and his grandparents in heaven.

In addition to being a dedicated and loving father, Richard also loved building, gardening, cooking, and bees. Throughout his entire life, he held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those who surrounded him. He was a member of Juliette United Methodist Church, the men’s club, and was treasurer of the River Club. He was a hard worker and put his all into everything he did.

In memory of Richard please consider donating to

Kitty City Cat Rescue in Macon

World Wildlife Fund.

Please visit www.monroecountymemorialchapel.com to express your condolences.

Monroe County Memorial Chapel, 86 West Main Street, Forsyth, Georgia 31029, has charge of the arrangements.