Jimmie "Polar Bear" Hayes

Jimmie Hayes was born on December 17, 1955, in Columbia, South Carolina, to the late Jimmie and Mary (Hayes) Griffin. He was truly one of a kind. He was a pillar of his community, a natural leader, socialite, an outspoken advocate, a generous giver, a relentless go-getter, and a groundbreaking entrepreneur.  Many have tried to follow his footsteps, but there will forever be only one “Polar Bear, ” “Mista,” and “The Chief.” Anything he touched he mastered. His brilliance spoke for itself. 

No one went hungry or ran out of gas when Polar Bear was around. He would give you the shirt off his back. As the former owner of the Phillips 66 gas station, now known as the Gaz Bah, on Farrow Road in the heart of the Greenview community, he was known for free fuel and unmatched generosity.

His business, Ladies Carwash, was more than a place to clean your car. It was a hub of fellowship. You could grab something hot off the grill, sit for good conversation, and laughter too. Polar Bear loved to cook, fix cars, race cars, dance, shoot pool, and play cards. He was a well-rounded entertainer and a man of many gifts. He loved his people. If you called on Polar Bear, he showed up every time.

In his later years he continued serving his community by providing fresh fruits with a special focus on watermelons. He never missed a moment to thank the “Good Lord. ” Jimmie Hayes was anointed, blessed, and a blessing to all who knew him. He was a true visionary whose absence will be deeply felt.

He departed this life on December 1, 2025. He leaves to cherish his memory four beautiful daughters: Kelly Lynn Hent, Shapitra Townsend, Danielle Scott, all of Blythewood, South Carolina and Brittney Hoefer of Fort Mill, South Carolina; along with five beloved grandchildren.

He is also survived by six brothers: James Hayes and George Hayes, both of Hopkins, South Carolina; Mike Joses of Irmo, South Carolina; Brian Griffin, Jeffery Griffin, and Gregory Griffin, all of Columbia, South Carolina; Two sisters: Mary Luise Hayes and Debbie Jones, both of Columbia, South Carolina. His beloved Auntie Betty Mack of Columbia, South Carolina, and a host of nieces,
nephews, extended family, and an entire community filled with love for him.

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