Good times/good memories back in the day. We played little-league football together then went separate ways. Cheers to your life well-lived...

Thinking of you and all that God has provided. I hope our family will some day come to love and respect one another.
Love and miss you, Linda

Big John - Miss you pal.  Looking forward to some great laughs one of these days.  Thanks for always watching my backside.  Chris

Have thought of you today on what would have been your birthday.

To My Dear Brother,
I miss you but have fond memories of our adventures as children and adults. Happy Birthday and I know you and Steve are enjoying being together. Love, Your Big Sis

Even though so many years have passed since we were best buddies as kids I wanted to connect with him again when I was  going to be in DC in December. Then I find out he has past several years ago. He was such a dear friend and I learned so much about myself because of him. I will always remember him with great love for the times we had together growing up. My prayers to all his loved ones.

In memory of your life and with compassion for those you left behind.  Glad you found your "independence" on the other side. ...Jackie

You were the best brother a sister could ever have.  Can't wait to laugh our butts off again.

Please help our family heal and come together to treat each with respect and kindness and love. Tell Mom, Dad, Steven, Mom-maw, Granddaddy, Grandmother, Aunt Dot and Uncle Reed, Aunts Pat and Hazel, Great-grandmother Virginia we love and miss you all.

...your light and spirit lives on in the hearts of all that had the honor and privilege to call you friend.

...remembering you, John, and reflecting upon all your goodness...the fun, laughter, and your kind spirit. ...in my thoughts for comfort and peace to your sweet Ginny and your loving family. May you continue to Rest in Paradise

John, John…..Yo, my friend.  Yo.  MIss you.  Miss the great times we had together.  Happy Birthday.

Dear Brother,
Happy Birthday and miss you very much. You will always be Chinese #3 or should I say Thai #1!!!
Love, your Big Sis

Thinking of you today John.  I love and miss you so much. There is a void in my life but I hold all our times together and fun we had close to my heart. Your sis, Suzie

thinking of you all day, on what would have been your 60th birthday.....

I just learned of John's passing.  It was depressing to hear that a happy and kind hearted person would go without this early.  My sincerest sympathy to Ginny and his family.  John was a very caring supervisor, friend, and warm person.  May he rest in peace!

Dear John,

You were a rock in my life and I learned so much from you.  I will never forget you, ever. I am such a better person for having you for my brother.   I loved laughing with you. I'm so glad GOD had a plan and I was part of it.   Thank you, Love you always -- until we meet again, Your sister - Suzie

All,
I am so sorry to hear about John. He had such a wonderful sense of humor and always entertained us at the beach and in DC. Ginny and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Laura

Very saddened to learn of John's passing. Keeping vigilence in thoughts and prayers for the loved ones he left behind. 

To an old friend and memories.

I wrote this many years ago about Friendship. I'm sharing in tribute to John and his gift of  friendship that he extended so graciously. 

Friendship 
I'm a better person for knowing you.
You relax me, refresh me, renew me.
Your bounteous heart envelops me, in joy and love and peace.
May your life be filled with dazzling blessings, just as I am blessed, by being your friend.
I think of you with great delight.
You are all this and more, my friend.
Rest in Peace, dear friend...we shall meet again.

I am so deeply saddened to learn of John's passing.  My sincere condolences to Ginny and the Hayden family. It's seems only yesterday we shared classes at Crossland, and it was so good seeing him and others over the years and at our most recent 40th class reunion.  John's unparalleled enthusiasm and  commitment to the Crossland '71 reunion events and Web Page are only surpassed by his humor and genuine good will. May all his good works along with your memories help sustain you during this most difficult time. I pray that you find some small measure of comfort in knowing that John "Wayne" will be fondly remembered by so many; thus, his spirit lives. Peace be with you.

So sorry to hear this news.  We so appreciate what John did to bring the class of 71 back together in these later years.

Rod Smart and Pam (Story) Smart
Olney, MD

John - I'll miss you man.  I knew whenever I saw you there would be some great laughs.  We could always make each other laugh ..... like being on the same team, working together and watching either others backside.   I'll miss you man.  Keep laughing my friend.

John, remember how we met in 1999?  You insisted that I join ASGA and meet other single golfers.  Since I was in the year long process of sudden divorce after a 30 year marriage, I resisted meeting anyone.  You led me(or pushed me) into meeting a dozen or so 30+ year old suddenly singles at Williamsburg.  I'll never be able to thank-you for introducing me to a fabulous great, fun new life!  Didn't we have too much fun, Big Bro!  I'll always miss you!                                                                    Marti Clayton, Charleston,SC

My thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of John Hayden.  My heart is broken hearing the news...he's been a good friend for many years and will be greatly missed!

John, 
It was fitting that your memorial service was held during the British Open and Phil M's win.
It was a loving tribute to you by those you loved.    
RIP John ... there are so many memories and I will cherish and remember your best. 
Suzie & Ricky, Linda, and Ginny - thank you and holding you all close in thought for peace and comfort.

We go back 44 years, Crossland high School, worked in OC together after high School, PG College, then Salisbury State College, followed by Pier St. Annex in the late 1970's. Then we went in separate directions until reuniting just about a year before our 40th reunion. I consulted with John on the location & site for our 40th. We recently had dinner with he & Ginny, Mike Merrits & his wife. I actually noticed John did not look so good but thought nothing of it. Looking back, I'm sure he was suffering from this horrible illness. John as some of you may remember survived two major car accidents in high school, I don't know how many other close calls he had but I wish he could have had one more. In some ways we are lucky to have had him here on this earth as long as we did. So long John, you fought hard. We will all join again at some point. Have a wonderful journey my friend, sincerely, bob Williams class of 1971 CHS

Friends since Crossland High School, worked & lived in Ocean City together after graduating. PG college & Salisbury State College together. Assisted John Wayne with our 40th reunion. John dodged two serious car accidents in high school, I guess it wasn't his time, unfortunately he still has been cut short. I'm happy for the extra 40+ years he did get as many of us are to have had him as a friend, father, & significant other. Glad I was able to see John in 2013.

John,
We are so glad that we got to host Superbowl 2013 with you and Ginny.  We will miss our Thai coma buddy very much, and your DC visits.  You lived life to the fullest, and left us far too soon, but you did it with flash and fireworks.  We will celebrate your life every 4th of July.  Thank you for the wonderful memories and great friendship.  Love, Lisa, Robert, and Ana

John, I remember you as Wayne when you lived not far away from me on Holton lane in our adolescence.   I remember your Collie would follow me home to Fisher Drive, come in the house, and hide behind the sofa and whine.  I member good times in Taney and Crossland junior and senior high schools.  You well always a very good guy  and I am sorry you are gone. 

With affection,
Joe Volonakis (DC)

So sorry to hear of John's passing; I had emailed him some months ago about some class mattter.  John and I go back to Temple Hills Elementary 5th grade, mid-60's.  His idea, that we carried to fruition, was to conduct a "Beatles Show" using records to play the band's music of the era for the neighborhood kids, from his basement in Temple Hills and then to our class.  We made guitars and drums out of cardboard boxes and lots of tape and Crayola crayons!  We advertised and made a few cents on the kid audience.  His Mom and Dad were a great help to the four of us during this "project"; it was lots of fun.  I played George Harrison, I think.  Yes, he was a leader at an early age and a friend to all.  The 40th Reunion was great and made possible by him.  John was hard working and a smile maker.  The class will surely miss him.

Wayne, I remember our days growing up in the same neighborhood and attending Crossland.  Thank you for all you did regarding the website for out class and 40th reunion.  Will see you again I am sure.

There is love that will live forever, and there are memories that will shine through the sorrow.  May the wonderful memories be with you and comfort you at this time.  You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

John will definitely be missed. He worked tirelessly for the Crossland Class of 71 and we are all in debt to him for his efforts in behalf of all of us. My heart goes out to all his family and loved ones.  Wish you comfort and hope.

My dear, dear Brother...I love and miss you so much. Suz and I know you are with us, protecting us and guiding us always. You are in my HEART forever.

Love, Your Big Sis, Linda

Dear Ginny and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all on the loss of John. May God bless you and hold you in His hands to give you comfort at this time. I will be out of town during his Memorial service but know my prayers are with you.
Patti

Praying for God to send his angels to bear up all of John's family members and his beloved, Ginny Wise. His death was really so unexpected and I am so sorry for your loss.   Jackie & Brian Grachik

I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. I keep hearing the lyrics of Billy Joel's song;  "Only the Good die young".   I guess John had finished his work here and they needed him in heaven. I have full faith that he is well and happy,watching over all his family and friends.  Until we meet again John; Keep smiling and spreading happiness,love and joy!  Blessings and prayers to All.....xo

God Bless you all and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

I will truly miss you, Uncle Wayne. I have so many fond memories from when I was a child. I am happy that we were able to reconnect again when I was older. RIP.  Say hello to Grandmommie for me... Until we meet again...

I am both shocked and saddened by John's passing.  He was a friend since Camp Springs Youth Club days.  We played football together and drank a few beers together while at University of Maryland, reunions and golf tournaments.  John had a great sense of humor and always had a smile on his face.  We had just emailed each other several weeks back.  I didn't see John that often, but I will miss him.  My condolences to John's family and friends.

OBITUARY

John Wayne Hayden Jr.

November 11, 1953 – July 4, 2013

Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park

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