John Wayne "Pops" Hayes

John Wayne Hayes “Pops”, age 75 of Hendersonville, passed away unexpectedly March 4, 2023. Wayne was born on April 16, 1947 in Lebanon, Tennessee to the late James Thomas Hayes and the late Katherine Green Hayes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Charlene Lannom, Frances “Tootsie” Hayes, Bobby Hayes, and Billy Ray Hayes.

On Saturday morning, we lost the heart of our family. Wayne Hayes, known to many as Pops, went on to be with Jesus. To say the things he was to so many is impossible, but we will highlight a few: builder, dancer, baker, storyteller, world-class hug giver, cowboy, rat rod enthusiast, and so much more. Pops never met a stranger, and he would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He was truly the life of the party. Wayne will be greatly missed by all those who knew him, and the love he gave will never be forgotten.

Pops is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Vallorie Hayes; children, Michael Wayne Hayes (Dana), John Paul Hayes (Sonya), Brian Keith Hayes (Jennifer), and Misty Leah Hayes; grandchildren, LeAnne, Caleb, Cassidy, Kendall, Amiee, Kaylee, Taylor, Matt, Demitria, Cody, Brooke, and Jaxon; great-grandchildren, Aden, Lilli, Nikolas, Anakin, Caedus, Matt, Carson, and Waylon; siblings, Shirley Agee, Tommie Jones, and James Hayes; last but certainly not least, his beloved dog and companion, Clara.

A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2022 at 12:00 P.M. in the chapel at Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville. Visitation with the family will be on Friday from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. at Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside and on Saturday from 11:00 A.M. until time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Live Love Nashville or Full Count Ministries.

Arrangements Entrusted to: Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside, Hendersonville (615) 822-4442 www.sumnerfuneral.com . Proud to be family owned and operated