John W. Hayes Jr.

John W. Hayes Jr. "Johnny," 78, was a resident of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, John took the hand of Jesus. He was surrounded by his loved ones and friends. John was born on December 24, 1945 in Columbus, Mississippi to John W. Hayes Sr. and Melba Davis Hayes. 

Proudly he served God, his Country and his family. John attended Center Point Church of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. He was honored to serve his country as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. His hobbies were singing, fishing, NASCAR and Alabama football. 

He was preceded in death by his father, John W. Hayes Sr.; mother, Melba Davis Hayes; and sisters, Barbara Ann Stamper and Joyce Dantzler.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Ruth (Johnson) Hayes. John had six children, sons, J.W. Hayes III, Michael Spiers, Thomas (Kisha) Spiers, Shawn Hayes, and daughters, Jonnette (Ernest Jr.) Boudreaux and Shelley (Michael) Spartin. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Cassie Holmes, Tiffany Hayes, Donovan Greathouse, Murray Greathouse, Riley Spiers, Tyler Spiers and Savannaha O'Neal; two great-grandchildren; and siblings, Lovie Phillips and Terry (Janie) Hayes. John was blessed to have several nieces, nephews and cousins as well. 

 A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 29, 2024 at Center Point Church, 6201 MS-57 N, Ocean Springs, Mississippi 39564. Visitation is from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  with a service following at 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Biloxi National Cemetery 400 Veterans Ave. Biloxi, Mississippi 39535 at 12:30 p.m. For those who wish to send flowers, a love offering can be made instead on Venmo to @Ruth-Hayes-20 

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John W. Hayes Jr. "Johnny."