It’s interesting how many of Knoxville’s business leaders are from East Knox County, and specifically graduated from Carter High School.
One such couple is David C. Hayes and Judy Bates Hayes. They met at Carter High School and became forever sweethearts, married for 60 years, parents of four children and founders of David’s Abbey Carpet which just celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Judy passed away on May 19, 2023, at age 78. “Judy brought light and love into the lives of her family and friends. She was a beacon of warmth, kindness and generosity, with an eye for making the world a more beautiful place,” her family wrote in her obituary.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, May 25, at Bridges Funeral Home on Rutledge Pike, followed by a service at 7 p.m. The service will be available on the Bridges’ website. Burial will be Friday at Asbury Cemetery.