Johnny Lee Hayes

Johnny and I went to school together from the 2nd grade until we both graduated high school together. I had not seen him in several years but he was a friend to me during our time in school together. I remember playing with our G.I. Joes together during play time in grade school. I am very sorry for his family and their loss. I pray for the peace of God & the Holy Spirit to comfort his family.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

I wanted to speak today at the funeral, but I could barely keep myself together. I worked with John, apparently only people from The Eagle knew him as John, for 5 years. Fortunately , I got to know him well enough and called him Johnny on my own- John is so formal.

I was actually not surprised to learn that most knew him as Johnny. Someone named Johnny is your friend, and that is what he was to so many.

I was 23 when I started working at The Eagle, so Johnny was about the age I am now when he met me. I work with 23 year olds now and I feel so far removed from them that I make little to no effort to reach out to them or even know them.

Johnny took that effort, and even though I had teems of friends at the time, he reached out to me and became my friend. At the time I thought I was the one doing the old guy a favor by being his friend, but now I know he was the one offering the favor.

I took that friendship for granted in the sense that I assumed it would always be there for me to call on. I'd give anything to sit across from him right now and listen to his scientific reasons of why Bigfoot is real.

I knew Johnny well, and I am in tears right now as I write this, hours after the funeral. But, I try to rationalize it and say "" he was just a co-worker of mine that I didn't know all that well, he has friends and family that knew him much deeper and better" . But that thought doesn't comfort me, only makes me cry harder because I'll never get that chance to know him as they do.

Brenda and James, if I can ever do anything for you, please let me know. You were his life, and if I could help in any way it would make me feel as if I were still a part of it.

We love him dearly! We are going to miss him. He will live with us always in our hearts.

Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time. John was one in a million and will be missed.

I want to send my love and prayers to my Aunt Mary and Uncle Charles, Brenda and James, Dale and his family...My immediate family. I am so sick that I was unable to spend more time with you Johnny. I will never forget your trip here to Arizona when daddy was dying. I felt like you and I were kindred spirits and I have always wanted to be closer to you all. I will miss you more than you will ever know...I love you all with all my heart...Patti Jo Downs

Brenda, James and family members, I am very very sorry to hear of the loss of Johnny. He was a great guy, and I am sure a great husband & father as well. I wish there was something we could do to change things to make them better. Johnny to my was always a great guy and like so many others, we are all going to missing him dearly.

Allan

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, I worked with Johnny's mother Mary and heard lots of good stories about him. God Bless You All. Carol Smith

It seems like yesterday we were riding the yellow bus from Wellborn to school in College Station. Praying for the family. Praying God's comfort for each of you. See you soon Johnny, see you soon.

Andrew "Mookie" Chambers-Fort Worth

Brenda, I am so heartbroken about Johnny's passing. My God hold you and James close and walk by your sides as you go through the coming days. My deepest sympathies to you, James, Mary, and all of the family. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

John Hayes attended the Texas Bigfoot Conference going back to at least 2007 in Jefferson. He and his son James attended Cryptopalooza in Jefferson last fall, and they both also attended the most recent Texas Bigfoot Conference in Fort Worth last month. John was a very nice and friendly man who I enjoyed talking Bigfoot with over the years at the conferences. I will surely miss him at the next one. Godspeed Johnny!

My heart breaks for you, Brenda and James. I will keep you in my prayers. May God comfort you with His peace that passes all understanding.

So sorry to hear of Johnny's passing. Too soon! I still remember him on top of the monkey bars in 5th grade. King of the boys. He and I had a running battle of wits that year (not sure why) and he always won!
It sounds like Johnny had a happy life and I'm glad of that. He was a good guy. My condolences to the family.

Johnny,we will miss you and all of your great ideas for music in our area.I wish we could have put together the concerts and ideas that we always spoke of.Speaking of our meetings I still owed you a lunch and I want to extend that debt to pay to your son.James,I will be here for you if you need to talk or would like to have lunch.Your Dad loved you more than you can imagine.Godspeed Johnny

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Brenda, Your family is in our thoughts and in many of our prayers. May His love and peace surround all of you now and forever.

Brenda, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

So sorry for your loss. May God continue to Bless you and your family.

We are very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.

Such a loss of a special person, and much, much too soon. My love and prayers for those left to miss him. <3

My heart goes out to my family and all those who loved Johnny. Many fond memories of our childhood together has flooded my eyes since you passed. I know you will be forever missed but I feel peace knowing your memory will go on in the hearts of those you touched and your legacy will continue through your precious son James. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest in peace Johnny... Your cousin, Brenda