Back a number of years ago, I was working at the front desk of the Wayside Inn in Sudbury, MA. An historic colonial inn, it has an excellent restaurant and 10 overnight rooms. Bill and his wife Susan had stayed there the night before and Bill came down to check out. I recognized him and said, "My. Hayes, I want to tell you how much my family enjoyed watching you when you were the boy singer on television's "The Show Of Shows" with Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca." Just then Susan came down and Bill turned to her and said "Honey, I just found someone who remembers me from something other than 'Days Of Our Lives'". I think I made his day.
Ken Corday is so right. Bill and Susan were THE original Super Couple on soaps. They set the bar. Love that he mentioned Doug's Place and the singing with Robert Clary and Patty Weaver. There will never be another era like that on Soaps. Thank you Bill for giving us those amazing memories.
Thank you so much for sharing. I've been watching Days for years. So very sorry. Such a beautiful celebration for a remarkable man. May his memory bring you comfort. May he rest in peace🙏
Bill and Susan Hayes, only God knows the wonderful impact your love and marriage has had on so many lives. Thank you for letting your light shine so bright and thank you for allowing us to share in this beautiful home going celebration. ❤🙏🏾
Mrs Hayes (Susan), thank you for sharing your husband's celebration of life in such a public way. I always enjoyed your work on "Days". The love you both had for the other was so genuine. What thrills me more is the relationship you both have had with Jesus. God bless you.
When I was a child I would be home with my mother. And like many mothers at the time, she would have the television turned on to the "soaps". Most viewers tended to pick one network and watch all the "soaps" in a row appearing on that network. Back then, there were three. ABC, CBS & NBC. My mom watched NBC. So that's how I got acquainted with Days of our Lives. I of course, fell in love with Susan Seaforth. Not so sure I was all that thrilled when Bill Hayes showed up on the scene but in a short while I could see his goodness shine through so I was happy that MY Susan had found the right guy. For me, Susan Seaforth Hayes was a woman who has stayed with me all my life. Not just her physical beauty. But the light that shone through. And I could tell that Susan had chosen a man just like her. They both shone bright. I had heard Mr. Hayes had passed on to the other side and only tonight stumbled onto this Celebration. I can't tell you how impressed I was with everyone. It reminded me of the theme of the classic Christmas movie It's A Wonderful Life. Because that movie teaches us how important one human life is. Watching the Celebration, it was so obvious the love everyone had for Mr. Hayes. Everyone spoke tenderly and wisely. I must say, Susan's portion moved me greatly. Not sure I've ever heard anyone speak so poetically. It must have been difficult to retain her composure but she did, for her late husband and for family and friends in attendance. My parents, who are gone were extremely close. And the bond I saw between Susan and Bill in that Celebration reminded me of them. I also thought to myself, that people I was seeing in this Celebration were an example of America's best. I guess I'm just one of those unknown fans but that's ok. I know Mr. Hayes & Susan for that matter valued their audiences because it's obvious they valued everyone. My condolences to all.
I just found this beautiful celebration of Bill Hayes’ life. I watched days incessantly when I was in college always watching for the scenes between Julie and Doug. I know they were accomplished, however, I had no idea until I heard all the accolades this evening. I know he is solely missed by his family (as well as his fans!). Thank you for ending with Mr. Hayes singing “The Lord’s Prayer. I grew up listening to it in church. I’m sure he is in heaven conductor a beautiful choir. Thank you for all of your talents that will carry on in your wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You were truly a gift …..
A beautiful service with his Family and Susan. I have watched Days since my High school years and now am 73. Long time. Only missed when I worked until I could record. Bill Hayes was such a great actor and singer. Thank you for sharing this day. God bless and lots of Hugs.
I have never heard a deceased sing at their own memorial, but that was so beautiful and appropriate for this talented and spiritual man. It was very evident that he was truly loved and positively impacted the lives of so many.....and he seemed to "have it all," as they say, in the most humble and satisfying ways that so many in his industry never achieve in their career. I'm so happy to have been able to see this service. God Bless his family at this time. He left them a wonderful legacy.
He was a part of our lives for so many years of watching Days of Our Lives. I remember him singing on Days. God bless Bill Hayes. Thank you, Susan and family for sharing. He will be missed…
I started watching Days as a 12-year old with my mother who loved Doug and Julie. And I have followed Days in one way or another ever since. I'm 77 now. Saying goodbye to Bill Hayes was almost like another farewell to my mother. I fondly remember Doug's Place and how beautifully Bill sang Always to his "fair lady." The service was so beautiful. Thank you to the family for sharing. And hearing Bill singing the Lord's Prayer...so uplifting. May Bill's memory be a blessing.
Thank you Susan and Family for sharing this with us. Such a beautiful and fitting service for Bill Hayes. Thank you for sharing Mr.Hayes with us all these years on Days. You have truly become like family for us fans. Sending you continued love and prayers for all of you. He will be greatly missed.
I grew up with Bill & Susan on 'Days'. What a wonderful celebration! Full of laughter, love and tears. Bless Susan for her strength, her laughter and her love of her husband. THANK you for sharing it with the rest of us.
Thank you Susan for such a beautiful eulogy. I, too, grew up watching Days of Our Lives, when I would come home from school in 1965. Bill Hayes (Doug Williams) was a great part of Days, he will be missed terribly. Susan, may God comfort you with beautiful happy memories
Bill and Susan Hayes, helped the West Texas Rehabilitation set the standard for a successful Telethon, that help fund the needs of countless people. They helped bring talents, they brought up vibes, and joy too so many. God speed Mr. Hayes, I can just see you tapping singing and bring joy in Heaven. Thank you, as an ex-patient of the WTR.
Thank you for allowing us fans to share in saying Goodbye to this wonderful man♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️. I watched Days since I was 9 years old and it came on in 1965. Watched Bill and Susan fall in love in real life as well as on-screen. ♥️♥️ She was his Fair Lady in both. I loved when he sang especially The Look of Love to her. You will be so missed Sir. We love you. Love Susan and she is in my sincere, heartfelt prayers and my heart. Sing with the angels now in Heaven sweet man♥️
I started watching DOOL in the late 60’s. I loved “Julie”, her voice, her hair, her beauty. When the character “Doug” arrived, I was in love. I bought his LP album called The Look of Love. I’ve watched DOOL on and off for decades. They were always THE super couple to me, on the show and as Susan and Bill. Rest in peace. My prayers are for his beautiful wife, family and everyone who loves him. 🩵
Although is been decades since I've watched Days, I fondly remember Bill. Thank you for the memories you gave us all. And to Susan and the Hayes family my deepest condolences. 🌹🕊🌹
A life long Days fan, I have been watching since it first aired in the early 60’s. All of the people and characters are woven into my life and I will never forget any of them!! My prayers are with you, Susan and May God comfort you as only he can!! His character of Doug was so memorable, I believe it was because Bill shined so brightly through his character!! Rest In Peace, dear friend!! Thank you for all the joy over the years!! Indeed, a life well lived!! ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to the graceful, gentle, and kind Bill Hayes who brought joy to so many with his generous spirit and uplifting talent.
Thank you for sharing this service and to Bill for sharing his life with all of us. Beautiful tribute from Susan and from all who spoke. Heaven has gained a wonderful man.
I loved him in the old Days of our Lives. hard to believe he was almost 100 years old!!!!! The tribute song to Susan made me cry. As did that beautiful poem by Deidre Hall. I am so grateful this popped up in my feed tonight. What memories. What an amazing man. ☮️
Beautiful ceremony. I started watching this when I went to kindergarten, during half days with mom. I am now 50. Needless to say you all feel like family. He always reminded my family of my Grandfather .. who just passed in November 2023 at age 93. Truly sorry for your loss🙏🏻🙏🏻🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
While it is a HUGE loss to so many, the fact that Susan and the family shared the service tells us all how much he was truly loved and admired. His memory will always include that twinkle in his eye and devilish grin. I can’t only hope that I will find that love story they have. RIP, dear one, and much love to Susan and the family. ❤️🙏❤️
Being a “Days” family” from the beginning of 50 some years … Thank you for sharing Bill Hayes homegoing service, here. It was beautifully done just as his life was. I’m sure Bill was smiling down. Prayers of strength and love for Susan and family. 🙏🏻💐
This was so special just like him. Susan, thank you for allowing us to be apart of this day. I watched you fall in love. I pray for you. Y’all were so blessed to have each other. My love to you.
Thank you for sharing this. I was one of the millions of fans who had the honor and pleasure of meeting Bill and Susan and amazed at what beautiful people they were. There were many references to his large family in the remembrance --if you count the millions who watched and adored him the size of his family is immeasurable. ❤
Beautiful tributes from all who spoke. From the stories shared, the world could use more “Billy’s”. My sincere condolences to Susan and all that had the privilege to know this legend of a man. ❤❤❤
Lord's Prayer was beautiful. What a voice. I saw Bill Hayes and Diedre Hall years ago in Natchitoches, Louisiana when they were featured in the city's Christmas parade.
Thank you for sharing Mr Hayes with us for all the days of our lives. We grew watching Susan and Bill Always hoping to emulate one day a love as glorious as theirs. After 34 years with my husband I can only say we are part way there ❤ The Hayes made it look so easy and effortless. We have much work to do to come remotely close. ❤ May God watch over Bill until the day they reunite. May those near dear Susan hug her a little tighter. We love them both so much. ❤❤❤
So glad I could experience this wonderful tribute to Bill. When he sang the Lord's Prayer at the end of the service it was like Heaven opening up to receive an angel. Lord, be Precious to Your Soul Bill Hayes👼❤
I grew up watching Mr.Hayes on tv.. Just a snippet of who this amazing man was. I celebrate for him being in Heaven. I can only imagine what it was and is like for him. I am heartbroken and grieve for Susan and the family.. This is only a temporary parting and never goodbye. It's I'll be seeing you soon.. God bless..❤🙏❤
Thanks for sharing this celebration of Bill Hayes Life. I have watched Days from the beginning, and it's like losing a family member. Bill will be missed.
Forever talented and handsome. So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Prayers and condolences going out to Susan and all family, friends and fellow fans. Everyone loved Doug and Julie together. They were perfect together as were Bill and Susan. Sending love and light, and may he rest in Christ Our Lord.
Thank you Susan and Bill's children and family for sharing this with the fans and allowing us to be a part. I met Bill and Susan as a teenager many years ago, very briefly, and I could feel your happiness, your spirit, and just joy. The final words spoken were so true, Bill did make you feel he was talking just to you, and I have remembered that meeting and when I meet people I have done just that, so what an amazing gift he gave me and this world. I hope that message resonates with everyone, and we all make each other feel important, special and loved. x
I had the opportunity to meet both of them and they were amazing. I met them at a book signing two of the most genuine people I’ve ever seen, and they wished my husband and myself a very happy anniversary. It was totally amazing. God rest his soul, and may our Lord be with Susan til we all meet again one day
All my sympathy to especially Susan and his kids and great-grand kids, great-great-grand kids, his friends from Days and everyone that he knew and love. Thank you Bill for your great acting and memories. You had become an angel. RIP Bill Hayes
Thank you so much for sharing this, Hayes family and First Christian Church. I had been wondering how Mrs. Susan Seaforth Hayes was fairing, and I have been praying for her and the Hayes family. This service was so beautiful. RIP Mr. Bill Hayes! You were awesome!!!❤❤❤
Thanks you for sharing it with a beautiful tribute to a awesome man we will miss him on the D.O.O.L..Condolences to you Susan and the family's for your loss and prayers going out to you all. ❤
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful celebration of life! What a wonderful actor and a loving husband, father and grandfather! Fans have always loved him for years! Hugs and prayers for the entire family!
This was a beautiful and loving tribute. Such a close-knit family and friends, I cried through most of it thinking about the joy and sorrow that loved ones are feeling. May God bless and strengthen you. Mrs. Susan Hayes praying for you and your loving family. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful service with your fans.
Bill and Susan came to the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield, Missouri one year. My parents got to drive them where they needed to go during their time in our community. Bill and Susan were so sweet and we so enjoyed their stories and songs.
Gen X, 1965! I literally began watching "Days" at 5 years old with both of my Grandmother's and Aunts, and 5 Great -Aunt's! Goodnight Bill Hayes, we'll meet you in the SON~light over yonder,where we get to live for ETERNITY. Thank you, Susan & Hayes Family for inviting us today! Yippee❤
Just came across this and was happy to watch. He was such a wonderful actor on Days of our Lives! Watched him and Susan for many years. He lived a long and happy life for sure!
My mother, grandmother & aunt all watched DOOL's as did I. I like everyone else feel like this man & his wife and the cast are a part of the family. So very sorry for your loss. This was such a lovely service. I wish the best for his lovely wife, Susan & the rest of the family in their time of grief. God Bless.
This is such a wonderful service. I also started watching Days as a teenager during a summer and am now 73. I kept up during days off from school and later on from my career. I loved watching Bill and feel like I’ve lost a family member. My condolences to Susan and the family.
I just had a good cry. I'm reminded of all the people I've lost and how so few people today really care about and pay attention to other people. I know nobody pays attention to me in a positive way. My late mother was a singer, actress, dancer. I miss her exuberance for life like Bill had.
Ditto. Be positive about yourself, and be happy to have had a mother who was worth your grieving for her now. Still. So many don't. We are lucky to have had a mother in our lives who had a special gusto in their own way, and we got to witness and be part of that exuberance, as you say, that some people never experience with friends or family. I look at it as a blessing and something special to hold onto in times when we feel alone.
Much love coming to all the Hayes family members... we all share in this tremendous loss and so appreciate your allowing us to attend the service through this posted stream.
May the Lord comfort and console those who lost Bill, knowing they will see him again in the arms of the Lord...laughing, singing and living in the light of eternal salvation. God bless you, Susan, and all of Bills family and friends.
This video popped up randomly. Wow. I remember my mother watching days of our lives when I was a kid.. and I watched it too during summer vacation months. Really loved Doug and Julie.. My dad worked with a man who was a part time actor and had a small part at one time on days.. he had some nice stories about Bill Hayes.. a really nice man is how he described Bill Hayes.. RIP..
That was a beautiful service. Susan Seaforth Hayes, thank you for allowing your and his fans to share it with you and to allow us to say farewell, our friend and until we meet again.
What a beautiful service for Bill Hayes. You can see & feel the love of his family & everyone who knew him. He will be sorely missed on Days. Susan did an amazing job for his eulogy. May you rest in peace, Bill. I'm sure you will be in the angel's choir. May his memories & his love for you, Susan, hold you until you meet again. God Bless. Thank you for allowing us to partake, in a way, at his service.
