ROCKLAND — James Donald “Donnie” Hayes, 68, died Aug. 13, 2015, at Quarry Hill in Camden after a period of declining health.

Born in Spartanburg, S.C., on June 11, 1947, he was the son of J.B. Hayes and Lovie Mae Hayes.

Donnie grew up in North Carolina and South Carolina, graduating from Chapman High School in Inman, S.C. He was a house painter the majority of his career, but also worked in machinery, delivering laundry, and with a traveling carnival, setting up and taking down rides plus transporting them to the next location. This was where he met his beloved wife, Phyllis.

Always ready with a snappy comeback and a smile, Donnie loved being outdoors, whether it was tending a vegetable garden or bass fishing on the lake. He was proud to have passed down his passion for fishing as well as teaching guitar to his son, Toby. Donnie was a sports fan, especially NASCAR and football. He had an affinity for animals, and was known for his oil paintings, which he sold as well as gifted to lucky friends and family.

He leaves behind a son, Toby Hayes of Cushing and his wife, Michele; his sister, Annette Solesbee of Inman, S.C.; his nephews, Roy Solesbee and his wife, Susan, and Mike Solesbee, all of Campobello, S.C.; and his niece, Angie Wyke of Boiling Springs, S.C.

He was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis Hayes of Waldoboro; his father, J.B. Hayes; his mother, Lovie Hayes; his sister, Faye Norris; his brother, Larry Hayes; and his nephew, Terry Hayes, all of South Carolina.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, where a service will be held immediately following at 2 p.m. The Rev. Wayne Sawyer will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.