Born on July 13, 1932, in Pound, Virginia, he was the son of the late Jason Lewis Hayes and Vergie Helen (Hash) Hayes.
John was a member of Harrisonburg Free Will Baptist Church. He was formerly employed by General Motors where he worked in automotive manufacturing for 34 years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 12 siblings and one granddaughter, Julie Hayes.
Survivors include his loving wife of 66 years, Leatrice (Johnson) Hayes; three sons, Randal Hayes of Stewarts Town, PA, Jason Hayes and wife, Diane of Whitemarsh, MD, and Anthony Hayes of Fort Defiance; two grandchildren, Craig Hayes of Parkville, MD, and Jeff Hayes and wife, Yvonne of Monks Corner, SC; and one great-grandchild, Briana Hayes of PA.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at Augusta Memorial Park, 1775 Goose Creek Rd., Waynesboro, with Pastor Paul J. Collins officiating. All who plan to attend are to meet directly at the cemetery.
There will be no formal viewing or visitation at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Harrisonburg Free Will Baptist Church, 331 Vine St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes.