December 26, 2019

To the Members of World Millwork Alliance,

Christopher Hayes Wakefield, of Gallatin, TN, passed away on December 21, 2019. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend.

Christopher Hayes Wakefield was born on October 16, 1971, in Nashville, TN, to the late Paula Newsom Wakefield and David Preston Wakefield, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Angie Leath Wakefield; sons Alex, Spencer, and Zachary; sister Claire Wakefield Custred and husband Glynn; brothers Wade Wakefield and David Wakefield; father-in-law Homer Leath and wife Betty; brother-in-law Jay Leath and wife Amanda; nieces Abby and Carly Custred, Maclaine, Lauren, and Camryn Wakefield, and Stuart Ann Leath and Riley Fuqua. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his grandparents, Elmer and Pauline Newsom and James and Jane Wakefield, and mother-in-law, Charlene Sadler Leath.

Hayes was an identical twin to his brother Wade. Growing up, he and Wade would often create mischief by pretending they were the opposite twin. This fun-loving spirit continued throughout Hayes’s life and endeared him to his peers and adults alike.

Hayes was a 1990 graduate of Gallatin High School. He went on to earn a degree in business in 1995 from the University of Tennessee. While attending UT, he was an active member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity where he made many lifelong friends. In 1997, Hayes married the love of his life, Angie. They were married for 22 years and were blessed with three amazing sons.

Hayes began working as a manufacturer’s representative in the millwork industry in 1998 and remained in that profession for the rest of his life. He truly loved his job as evidenced by the way he loved working with his customers and manufacturers. His business associates became much more than clients to Hayes; they became his friends.

Faith was important to Hayes as he was an active member and servant of Gallatin First United Methodist Church where he attended with his family for his entire adult life. Hayes also loved sports. He was a member of the GHS Quarterback Club and an avid fan of the University of Tennessee Volunteers. When not spending time with his family, he enjoyed playing golf with his family and friends.

Hayes lived well and loved big. His sons are a living legacy of his amazing life. We will remember him as the incredible father, devoted husband, loving son, brother, uncle, and friend that he was. In choosing to remember him in this way, cancer does not win; love does.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 27 at Gallatin First United Methodist Church, located at 149 W Main Street in Gallatin, with Rev. James C. Johnson, Jr. and Rev. Dr. Ted Hill officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, December 26 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center located at 584 Nashville Pike in Gallatin.

In lieu of flowers, Hayes requested that memorials be made to Sumner Bank & Trust “Memory of Hayes Wakefield.”  Donations can be made at any branch of Sumner Bank & Trust or mailed to Sumner Bank & Trust at 780 S Browns Lane, Gallatin, TN 37066. Memorials will be designated to Gallatin High School Choral Department.

Online condolences may be submitted at alexandergallatin.com. (615) 502-0011 Obit Line (615) 502-0555