Naifeh says he'll miss 'good friend' Hayes
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Hayes, who died Sunday at age 65, was born just outside Naifeh's hometown of Covington in rural West Tennessee. Naifeh was about four years older than Hayes and the two men didn't meet until both had risen to prominence.
But their relationship had grown closer in recent years.
Naifeh used his clout to make sure the welcome signs along all major roadways entering Tipton County indicate that it is Hayes' birthplace. Naifeh keeps a replica of the road signs in his office at the Capitol complex.
"He was an icon and did a lot for the community and Tennessee," Naifeh said on Monday, citing a 2005 advertising campaign featuring Hayes and Dolly Parton that helped boost tourism in the state.
Hayes became a regular at Naifeh's annual "Coon Supper" in Covington. The two men would greet visitors and tell jokes.
Naifeh remembered Hayes for "how well he got along with people, the way he'd connect and mingle and made everyone feel very comfortable."
But Hayes avoided eating the signature raccoon dish at the event. "He's got hands," Hayes explained to The Commercial Appeal newspaper at this year's event. "Coon's got hands."
Hayes lived in Memphis, about 40 miles away, but Naifeh said Hayes had begun making weekly visits to the lawmaker's Covington property to fish.
"He was a good friend of mine," Naifeh said. "He'll be missed."
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/aug/12/naifeh-says-hell-miss-good-friend-hayes/