Jack D. Hayes

Jack D. Hayes, 90, of Valdosta, Georgia passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at his residence following a five-year battle with cancer. He was born on June 23, 1932 in Lexington, South Carolina to the late Daniel and Grovie Hayes, and he grew up in Edgefield, South Carolina. He was a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi where he received his B.S. degree in Education. Mr. Hayes served in the United States Air Force for 24 years and retired with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. During his Air Force career, his duty assignments were served in Texas, California, Washington, Iceland, Oregon, South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Utah, Vietnam, and Vermont. Upon his retirement from the Air Force, Mr. Hayes worked for the Federal Aviation Administration in Florida and Louisiana for several years and ended his civil service career as an Instructor Supervisor in the Air Force Technical School at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. He received the Bronze Star during his military career and sustained Superior Performance Ratings during his career in the Air Force Civilian Service. Mr. Hayes also served as a Deacon, Treasurer, and Bible class teacher for the Ocean Springs Church of Christ in Mississippi and as a Deacon at the Central Avenue Church of Christ in Valdosta. Always more youthful than his age, Jack was often seen riding his red bike throughout his neighborhood up to 4-5 miles at a time until just a few short weeks ago.

Mr. Hayes was preceded in death by his grandson, Taylor Estes; a brother, Hugh Hayes; and three sisters, Grace Gunter, Juanita Herndon, and Helen Hurd. He is survived by his wife, Rachel Green Hayes of Valdosta; his daughter, Martha (Eric) Wallace of Maryville, TN; two sons, Mike (Terri) Hayes of Crestview, FL and Todd (Robin) Hayes of Ocean Springs, MS; his grandchildren, Christie (Brandon) Hockenbarger of San Antonio, TX, Lauren Royal of Orlando, FL, Chad (Madeline) Hayes of Andalusia, AL, Tyler Hayes of Jacksonville, FL, Connor (Amanda) Hayes of Niceville, FL, Brynlee and Jaxon Hayes, both of Ocean Springs, MS; great-grandchildren, Noah Hayes, Riley and Kennedy Royal, and Makaylah, Kaison, Aislynn, and Paisley Hockenbarger; brother-in-law, Bob (Mary) Green; sister-in-law, Muriel Green; and many nieces and nephews.

Services for Jack D. Hayes will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the Central Avenue Church of Christ in Valdosta with Mr. John Klimko and Mr. G.R. Holton officiating. Entombment will follow in the McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. The family will receive friends beginning at 12 noon until service time at 2 p.m. at the church. Flowers will be accepted, or charitable contributions may be made to the Raintree Village Children’s Home or the Georgia Christian School in Valdosta. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.