Billy Drennan Hayes was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina on September 3, 1920 to John Calvin Hayes and Mary Elizabeth Drennan. He was a graduate of Rock Hill High School. He attended the University of South Carolina, where he received his A.B. degree and his juris doctor degree.
He practiced law for 32 years at the former law firm of Hayes, Brunson & Gatlin. He served as City Recorder in Rock Hill from 1954–1962. He was a member and past president of the York County Bar Association and a member of the Permanent 4th Circuit Judicial Conference. He served in the South Carolina State Legislature for two terms from 1948–1950 and 1952–1954. He served on the South Carolina Highway Commission for the 16th Judicial Circuit for eight years and was a B-24 pilot in World War II and received the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was discharged at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
He was a Ruling Elder and Clerk of Session at First Presbyterian Church and was elected Elder Emeritus in 1994. He was a Member of the Permanent Judicial Commission of Synod of Southeast, past president of the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce, Rock Hill Chapter of the Red Cross, Salvation Army Board, Y.M.C.A. Board, Director of Guardian Fidelity Corp and Smith Enterprise.
He is survived by his wife Marcene Banker Hayes, three children, Olivia Hayes Williams, Alexa Hayes Spratt, Dr. William C. Hayes, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.