Deacon John Robert Hayes, Sr., the son of the late Effie Jean Brown-Hayes and Clayborn Hayes (aka Jab Hayes) was born on August 26, 1930 in Plumerville, AR. He was the youngest child of four children. As a young man, John Hayes met and married Betty Jewel Sandidge,who preceded him in death. From that marriage, eight children were born. John Hayes married his second wife, Isabelle Sandidge (Patsy), now deceased. Prior to this union, Isabelle had one daughter. He was preceded in death by one sister Bernice White of Toledo, OH, and one brother, Roosevelt Arnold of Kansas City, Ks. One of John's best jobs was working on the Missouri Pacific Railroad. He worked there for 17 years. He was promoted to Trackman which meant he could run every machine on the railroad. Since he rode to work with the foreman many times, he had favor with the foreman. He was promoted from Trackman to Crane Operator. In his own words he said: "" The Lord blessed me on those jobs."" In 1969, he left the job on the railroad for a job closer to home. He started work at Arkansas Kraft Paper Mill in Morrilton, ARas a paper maker. It was a good job and he worked there until January 1996, a total of 27 years. He enjoyed being closer to home with family and not having to take those long drives to the railroad. His tenure on the two jobs was 44 years. After giving his life to Christ and after a period of time and growth, John Hayes became head Deacon at Shady Grove Baptist Church. He had been a Deacon for 32 years when he was asked to serve as Chairman of the Deacon Board in August 1989. He loved the additional responsibilities. He enjoyed repairing things around the church so that they ran properly, and keeping the church running smoothly and efficiently. He made regular visits to the church each week performing various duties as Deacon. Deacon Hayes especially loved Sunday School because it gave him and everyone the opportunity to discuss the bible and explain how it applied to daily life. He was Superintendent of the Sunday School at Shady Grove for 23 years. Thank God for his love of family and God. Deacon Hayes was called to rest on October 26, 2012. He leaves to cherish his memory eight loving children, Carolyn Harrison of Lanham, MD, Bettye Carpenter of Upper Marlboro, MD, Ruby Hayes Burbank, CA; John Hayes (Deborah) of Tulsa, OK; Ida Hayes of Silver Spring; MD; Bill Hayes (Reva Jo) of Conway, AR; Doyle Hayes (Amanda) of Jacksonville, AR; Gary Hayes (Diana) of Alexander, AR, one step-daughter, Michelle Sandidge of Conway, AR; 21 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild;one sister he dearly loved, Ida M. Hayden of Chicago, IL anda host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 3, 2012, at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Plumerville with Pastor Byron Jackson, officiating. Burial will be at the Owens Cemetery in Plumervilleby Wilson & Jarrett Funeral of Morrilton. The family will receive friends from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the local Cancer Society, 901 N. University Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72207-6354