Peter (Pete) T Hayes passed away peacefully surrounded by his family October 7. Pete was born June 29, 1945 in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Because his father was an officer in the regular Army, Pete has lived in numerous states and countries including Triniday, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, California, Kansas, Louisiana and Georgia.
Pete attended Catholic University in Washington DC and completed his BA degree in business at Georgia State University (GSU) in Atlanta. Pete was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and was involved in Greek life. After graduation he worked for NAPA eventually moving to Chicago, Illinois. Not liking the winters in Chicago, he moved back to Atlanta to work in real estate with his father. Meanwhile, Pete and his business partner found a closed Sandy's Burger restaraunt and this became the Rusty Nail July 1974. Over its 43 year history not only is the Rusty Nail a local watering hole but an Atlanta icon on Buford Highway. In addition to the Buford Highway, there is a second location on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. Pete met his wife Vicki thru the insurance company that covered the Nail in 1978 and they wed two years later.
His hobbies include golf, recreational aircraft, sailing, windsurfing and DIY projects.
His survived by his wife of 37 years Vicki; daughter Marie Phillips (Shon); son Peter; sister Karen Beall (George); and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5-8 PM Tuesday October 17 at HM Patterson and Son Oglethorpe Hill. The funeral mass will be held at 11 AM October 18 at Our Lady of Assumption Brookhaven, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Northside Hospital, Emory St Joseph Hospital and Well star Windy Hill Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by H.M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill Chapel.
April 6, 2018
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. May the wonderful treasures fill your hearts with love and bring you peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Hosea 13:14 *
March 5, 2018
Friend
Joeanna
I am sorry for your loss I wanted to give my condolences for the loss of your loved one.
May the God of peace give you strength to endure 1 Peter 5:6,7
October 18, 2017
Woody McNair
My sincerest sympathies go out to the family. I always looked forward to Pete's table visits when Mark DuCharme and I had lunch at The Nail on Roswell Road. Pete was our friend besides a great host. I even had the pleasure of playing golf with him a few times and found that I better not take my time after making a shot because he would be hitting the gas on the golf cart with or without me. He was a lot of fun, but also a sincere, caring person who will be missed. My prayers go out for Vicki and the family.
October 18, 2017
Robin Crocker
Pete, You were one of the best human beings I have ever met. You and Vicki were so kind and caring to all of the people you employed. You were one of the most honest and humble men God ever made. Rest in peace my friend. You made your mark on this world in a quiet, distinguished way. May your children carry on your legacy of kindness. Vicki I am so sorry for your loss.
October 13, 2017
Friend
Chuck Reynolds
Pete, I want to thank you for all those great conversations we had at your 'office' and the great times we shared with Phi, Bobo and other friends of yours on the golf course. You will be missed my friend. Our thoughts and Prayers go out to Vickie and family.
October 12, 2017
Gary Fannin
You will be sorely missed by the regular's of the Rusty Nail. I had the pleasure of working with you for two years but knowing you since 1986. Prayers to your family during this difficult time.
October 10, 2017
Jill Miller
Pete was truly a Wonderful, kind, and caring boss and friend!!! I had the pleasure of working for him for 7 years!!! My sincere sympathies go out to all of his family and friends!!! You will be greatly missed by all that knew you!!!
October 10, 2017
Friend
Rosemary Duncan
Pete wasn't just a bar owner, he was a wonderful, caring man. He truly cared about his regular patrons & treated them as friends. I will miss you very much.
October 10, 2017
Lisa Spruill-Bowers
You will be missed by so many. Thank-you for lots of wonderful memories from the times you were THE BEST BOSS EVER! You always had such positive energy. Always fair and always ready to lend and ear or dry a tear. God Bless you Pete. Condolences to your family. Sending much Light always.
October 10, 2017
You created a space of comfort and warmth. You gave chances to the tarnished and welcomed the textures of life to your circle. Thank you. May God extend his warmth and greetings to your soul.
John Orrison
October 10, 2017
Dana Sills
It's simply hard to believe that the next time I go to the Rusty Nail on an early evening that I won't find you there with my eyes. I know you'll be there in spirit because you always have a way of making the place light up with your smile and optimism. You never spoke of your troubles, but you always were so kind when I was between jobs and needed a chin up and a place that felt like home our own little Cheers of Sandy Springs. You are the heart and soul of that little tavern with the best burgers and lasagna in town. I hope they name some specials after you because you are truly one very special, kind human on this earth that I am glad that I got to know and spend time with. Thank you for all your goodness and the kindness you have shown others while on God's green earth.
Always,
Dana
October 10, 2017
Friend
Reagan Young
It was such an honor to know you. You were the best boss I have ever had. I know you and Boob are having a grand time on the best golf course ever. Say hello to the gang from me, you will be sorely missed. Much love for you.
October 9, 2017
sharon stine
Great memories of a wonderful man, R.I.P. Pete, safe in the Lords arms
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Funeral services provided by:
H.M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill Chapel4550 Peachtree Road Ne, Atlanta, GA 30319
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