Donald Haynes

Donald F. Haynes was born January 7, 1935. He died unexpectedly in his home on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the age of 91. We are thankful for God’s mercy that he spared him from suffering. Don graduated from Robinson Elementary School in 1949 and Woodlawn High School 1953. He served in the U. S. Marine Corps & Reserve 1954-1962. Don graduated from Jefferson State Jr. College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science. In 1975 he graduated from the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. In 1978 he graduated from Backster School of Polygraph in San Deigo, California, becoming the first certified Polygraph examiner for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. Later he went on to graduate from Samford University in 1985, at the age of 50, with a degree in Criminal Justice. Don retired from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department after 35 years of service. Starting out as a guard in the jail and retiring as Captain over the Criminal Division. He was also the head of the Sheriff’s Department Pistol Team, served on the Jefferson County Pension Board, the Alabama DUI Council Board of Directors and was past president of Fraternal Order of Police #64.

After his retirement Don worked for the Birmingham Court Referral Service as a consultant and Instructor, while also enjoying playing golf with his sons Mike & Steve, hunting, fishing and hanging out at “the farm”.

Don loved his family and his friends. He loved studying the Bible, he loved his church, he loved turkey hunting and deer hunting, and he was pretty passionate about playing golf.

Don was a lifelong member of 85th Street Baptist Church in East Lake which became Deerfoot Baptist Church and is now The WAY Church. He served as a Deacon, a Sunday School Teacher and served on many various committees.

After his bout with cancer, he pursued God’s purpose for sparing his life. He had a tender and compassionate heart and until his exit from this world – he sought to make heaven crowded.

Don is preceded in death by his father Willis Haynes, his mother Laura Granade, stepfather Aquila Granade, brother Buddy Haynes, and son Steve Haynes.

He leaves behind his wife of 68 years, Anita Haynes, son: Mike Haynes and his wife Lisa, daughter Mary Kay King and her husband David, son Tommy Haynes, daughter-in-law Holly Haynes, niece Laura, who he thought of as a daughter, three sisters: Mary Joyce Black, Linda Cloy, and Lanita Branhan, grandchildren: Dave King, Zak King, Cody Haynes, Alexa Holmes, Tyler Haynes and Mason Haynes, and a host of nieces and nephews who were like his kids. He also leaves behind his best childhood friend of 83 years, Roy Foreman.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15

Visitation will be held at Ridout's Trussville Chapel, 1500 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35235, US, on March 21, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at the same location on March 21, 2026, at 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will take place at Alabama National Cemetery, 45M7+8H, Montevallo, AL 35115, US, on March 25, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.