Vodis H. Haynes

His life’s Journey   If I can help somebody, as I pass along. If I can cheer somebody, with a word or song. If I can show somebody, that he's travelling wrong. Then my living shall not be in vain. If I can do my duty, as a good man ought, If I can bring back beauty, to a world up wrought If I can spread love's message, as the Master taught, Then my living shall not be in vain. In Bedias, Texas the Union of Votie and Lottie Haynes was blessed with a new life, in the form of a baby boy, Vodis H Haynes on October 29, 1929. He was the third youngest of 11 children. He was lovingly called “Doon or Jr.”, by his family and known to most as VH.    Being raised in a loving Christian home, while still young he established his commitment to Jesus Christ and was baptized at Hopewell Baptist Church in Bedias, Texas. The virtues of integrity, arduous work, responsibility,  service to others and self-discipline, were instilled in him by his parents at a youthful age.   VH, was educated in the public schools of Huntsville; he attended Conroe Industrial College and Texas Southern University where he studied Industrial Education. He enlisted in the United States Army serving for two years. He was called to        engage in a tour of duty giving Valiant service during the Korea War. Following the war he received an honorable          discharge with the rank of PFC. He furthered his education and became a Licensed Electrician and HVAC Technician. He devoted thirty-seven years of diligent service to McLains Incorporation in Texas City, Texas as a Magneto Technician        before his retirement.   VH met the beautiful love of his life in the form of Helen Dean Burnside; the two became one in Christ when they made their covenant of marriage. This marriage would stand the test of time therefore lasting for over six decades before God called him home.   Upon moving to Texas City, VH united with Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Dr. D. N. Benford, Sr. He was an active member of the Celestial Choir and Male Chorus where he served as president, he also gave dedicated service through the Broadcast Committee.  Being led by the Holy Spirit VH united with Fellowship  Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Dr. G. W. Singleton, Jr. He remained a faithful member of Fellowship under Pastor D. K. Carpenter, until God called him home. He served in many capacities, Deacon, Gate Keeper, Church Treasurer, Male Chorus, Chairman of the 50 Men in Black, Family and Friends Day, Senior Citizens’ Day and a member of the Brother Hood. He loved Fellowship and never hesitated to lend a hand with the up keep of the church. He was a gardener extraordinaire that always shared his produce with the community at no charge.  He played a vital role in the Community Garden. Because of his devout service to his church, family and community he was the recipient of several awards.   As a charter member of the Mainland United Task Force, he gave dutiful service as the Treasurer. VH’s life exemplified the lyrics of the fore mentioned song “If I Can Help Somebody” truly his ministry was serving others at all times. Being a noble, strong, practical, reliable, unassuming husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and cousin; he was a stalwart of a man to his family, church family and community.   Vodis H. Haynes, bid this old world adieu on June 18, 2019 at his home in Texas City, Texas.  Although he will no longer dwell with us in body, his memories shall abide with us forever. Yes, we will miss him unspeakably, but his great legacy, like a shining beacon of light, will live on in the hearts of those he touched. He is preceded in death by his parents, Votie and Lottie Haynes; brothers, Roy Lee Haynes, Earl Lee Haynes, Robert Edward Haynes and Edgar Haynes; sisters, Pearlene Birdwell and Helen Marie Maxey; and a grandson, Gene Haynes.   Celebrating his victory in Jesus are his family, his caring and devoted wife of 62 years, Helen Dean Haynes; two children, Wayne Curtis Haynes (Ronda) and Michelle Berry (Reginald); three grandchildren, Annetta Haynes,  Dean  Haynes and  Joshua  Jamelle Berry; one great-grandchild,  Jasmine Lea Haynes;  siblings, Verdis  Haynes (Bettye), Etta Butler and Earsie Archie; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends.