Hayes returns to Rayville for reunion

The Town of Rayville will welcome one of its most prominent native son’s home on July 4.

Elvin Earnest Hayes, former NBA player, Hall of Famer and author, was born Nov. 17, 19 45 to Chris and Savannah Hayes of Texas Street in Rayville.

Traveling north on Louisa Street, just below I-20, you will see a billboard stating that Rayville is the home of the “Big E‚“ as he was known on the basketball court. He will return as an honorary member of the “Class of ‘65” of Eula D. Britton High School.

The Class of ‘65 will be celebrating its 50th year reunion, and they have made Elvin Hayes an Honorary member of the class. Mr Hayes actually graduated in 1964, along with Rayville’s current mayor, Harry Lewis. Under the tutelage of the late Coach Melvin Rodgers, Hayes along with Mayor Lewis, Thomas Aultman, Ronnie Jenkins, Willie Ricks and Vernon Warner led their high school basketball to a state Championship.

Elvin Hayes went on to attend the University of Houston, breaking college records, and from there was drafted into the NBA. Mr. Hayes also set records, yet to be broken, in the NBA and has been inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame.

Elvin Hayes will be the keynote speaker at a banquet given by the Class of 65 at the Rayville Rosenwald/Eula D. Britton Alumni Center, on July 4. The Mayor’s office will issue Elvin Hayes a key to the City at a noon barbecue, also to be held on July 4.

Rayville’s Police Chief Willie Robinson will present Elvin Hayes with a certificate of appreciation.

 The chief stated Hayes was very instrumental in helping him attain the canine unit for the Rayville Police Department.