Gary Hayward Allen

Gary Hayward Allen, 67, of Smithville, GA, died February 8, 2022 at Crisp Regional Hospital.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Friendship Baptist Church.  Rev. Grady Morey and Rev. Mark Spraggins will officiate.  Interment will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery. 

Hayward was born in Andalusia, AL on July 4, 1954 to Victor and Juanita Allen.  His family moved to Albany, GA while he was in his teens and he graduated from Albany High School in 1971.  Hayward attended Albany Technical College EMT Program and in 1994 he attended the Darton College Paramedic Program and obtained his Paramedic State License P-4158.H 

Hayward was employed with Terrell County EMS and Crisp County EMS.  He took a full time Paramedic position at Dougherty County EMS with dual employment with Crisp County and retired from Dougherty County in May 2016 at the rank of Assistant Shift Supervisor.  Hayward was also an Assistant Shift Supervisor with Lee County EMS for seventeen years. 

His retirement was unexpected due to a diagnosis of Guillain-Barre’ Syndrome.  Hayward recovered and returned to Crisp County EMS for another six years, where he was instrumental in helping to startup their Community Paramedicine Program.  He was fun to work with and earned the high respect of his peers at all of his EMS Stations. 

Hayward enjoyed sport shooting and working on his tractor at his residence on his downtime.  He will be missed by many as he leaves us. Hayward had resided in Lee County, GA for the last fifteen and was a member of Friendship Baptist Church where he served as Chairman of the Deacon Board for the last four years. 

Survivors include his wife, Geraldine Allen of Smithville, GA, his children, Melinda (Brian) Suber of Flowery Branch, GA, Sean (Tanya) Allen of Lee County, GA, Mark Ivey of Naples, FL, Mendy (Jason) Warren, Texas City, TX and Tim (Allison) Ivey of Naples, FL,  his brother, Sam (Julie) Allen of Lee County, GA, his grandchildren, Malarie (Matthew) Yellis, Kaylyn Warren, Sadie Ivey, Jenna Ivey, Solomon Ivey, Amber Anderson, Jerika Ivey, Myra Suber, Ozzy Ivey, Bear Ivey, Jordan Peppers, Rachel Peppers and Nina Gassett. 

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Friday at Mathews Funeral Home. 

Those desiring may make memorials in memory of Hayward to Friendship Baptist Church, 936 GA Highway 32, W. Leesburg, GA, 31763.