John Harrison Hayes born December 8, 1929, died Friday December 8, 2023.
John married Margaret Emogene (Jean) Boggs on October 21, 1948.

That union produced four children: Linda Carol, John Michael (Olga), Randy Wayne (Sherry), and Mark Douglas (Tina). Nine grandchildren: David, Jonathan, Michelle, Lucas, Isaac, Tanner, Cory, Maddy, and Toni. 13 Great Grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. John had one living brother Eugene Hayes of Clintwood, VA.

John was preceded in death by his wife Jean, his father Reuben, his mother Nannie, and his son John Michael. Also, four sisters: Ruby, Bea, Pearl, and Pauline, as well as two brothers: Jimmy and Charlie.

John had a giant impact on the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Pictures of them covered the walls of his home. Affectionately known by them as Paw, Pap, Paw John, and Papaw Hayes, memories and funny tales will be discussed and handed down the remainder of their lives.

John began working in the coal mine at the age of 16, loading coal in rail cars by hand. Forty years later, he retired as the Superintendent of Deep Mine Operations of Glamorgan Coal Corporation. John formed strong relationships with many people while working in multiple mines in Dickenson and Wise Counties. He reminisced of these relationships often with his family, and especially his best friend and fellow coal miner,
Ridley Elkins.

Special thanks to Wythe Hospice of Southwest Virginia, and Mountain Laurel Nursing Home in Rural Retreat, VA.
A very special thank you to two amazing people: Amy Kerns and Deanna Hines.

A memorial service to honor John and celebrate his life will be held Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 3:00 P.M. at Lindsey Funeral Home.

Lindsey Funeral Home, Rural Retreat, VA is serving the Hayes family.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at:  www.highlandfuneralservice.com