Richard "Little Rich" Edward Hayes, Jr., age 36, of Fayetteville, NC passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton, NC as a result of a car accident. Little Rich was born on June 4, 1989 to Richard Hayes, Sr. and Helen Reeves Hayes.

Little Rich was a cook at Burger King in St. Pauls, NC. Cooking was his specialty and he was always trying new dishes. He also took great pride in his appearance, especially his shoes.

Along with his parents, Richard is survived by his fiancée, Sary Rodriguez-Cruz; his daughter, Haylee Hayes; his sons, Jaylen Hayes and King-Oneil Henry Rodriguez-Hayes; his stepchildren: Brianna Scates, Sophia Scates, and Robert Dover, Jr.; his brothers: Chris Burnette and wife Amelia, Trinity Jacobs and wife Brooke, and Bjorn Cooper; and the mother of his children, Nicole Hayes.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 2:00-4:00 PM at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc., 809 E. 5th Street in Lumberton, NC.