Granite Falls mayor retires after 38 years

May 18—One thing Barry Hayes loves about serving as the mayor of Granite Falls is the annual Christmas tree lighting, where he watches children's eyes light up as synthetic snow falls from the sky.

This December will be his last Christmas tree lighting as the town's leader. Hayes announced he will retire after serving the town for 38 years, first as a town council member and as mayor since 1997. He said he feels it is time to pass the torch to someone else.

"I served a long time," he said. "Someone out there can do a great job. It's time for someone new."

Hayes grew up in Granite Falls and lived there most of his life. His family moved to Asheboro when he was in the 10th grade, and he graduated from Asheboro High School in 1966. He attended college at Western Carolina University, where he studied education, eventually receiving his master's degree in 1973.

Hayes said he taught general science and physical education for three years while living in Rock Hill, S.C., before moving back to Granite Falls. After that he went into sales and eventually started his own company, Hayes Chemical, which sells water treatment chemicals for commercial and industrial purposes.

Hayes was elected to the town council in 1983, and he was on the council for 14 years before he decided to run for mayor.

He said that Bert Huffman, mayor at that time, acted as his mentor.

"I was mayor pro-tem for him," he said. "He asked me to run for mayor when he retired. Because of his leadership and confidence in me, I decided to do it."

He said that his responsibilities as mayor include things like approving ordinances, leading town meetings, appointing town officials and attending special ceremonies and ribbon cuttings, among other duties.

Town Manager Jerry Church said it's clear Hayes loves Granite Falls.

"Mayor Hayes is loyal and faithful to our God, his church, his family, his friends and to his hometown of Granite Falls that he loves so dearly," he said.

Church, who has worked with Hayes for more than 11 years, added that Hayes "is the calming influence and the voice of reason, especially when there are hard decisions that have to be made."

"During his 38 years in local government, he has taught many council members, employees and citizens about local government in Granite Falls and in North Carolina. Mayor Hayes has risen to leadership in almost every organization where he has served," Church said.

Hayes said he is particularly proud of the town's purchase of 72 acres at Lake Rhodhiss.

"It will be left in its natural habitat," he said. "In 50 years, it will be such a benefit for kids to get out and play."

Hayes has been incredibly influential in the town of Granite Falls, said Dr. Caryl Burns, mayor pro tem for the Granite Falls Town Council. She said he handles controversy well and lets people speak their piece.

"He's always present, always prepared," she said. "Every single thing he has done, he loves his community. That comes to the forefront. He has just been wonderful in his job."

Reporter Carmen Boone can be reached at 828-610-8723

Reporter Carmen Boone can be reached at 828-610-8723