Johnny Michael Hayes, 75, of Evarts departed this life for his heavenly journey on Thursday, January 4, 2024, following a long illness at home.

Johnny was born on August 16, 1948 in Harlan County, to the late Lillie Barnes Hayes and the late Glen Hayes.

Johnny was a sergeant and point man of the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1968-1970. He owned and operated his own taxi service until his health no longer allowed. In his spare time, before he was disabled, he enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping. Johnny's number one role was being a husband, father, and grandfather. He was saved and baptized and believed in the Baptist faith.

In addition to his parents, Johnny is preceded in death by brothers, Raymond Hayes and Ronnie Hayes; sister Christine Napier; half-brothers, Joe Hayes and Glen Hayes; a father-in-law, Worley Davis; brothers-in-law, Worley (Pnut) Davis and Jim Wilson; and sister-in-law, Ruthie Davis.

Those left to mourn his passing are his loving wife of 36 years, Susan Davis Hayes; two children, Christy (Jason) Stanton; and Whitney (Travis) Freeman; and three granddaughters, Ella Card, Ava Freeman and Londyn Freeman, who were the love of his life.

Also surviving are his sisters-in-law, Candy (Bruce) Caudill, Sandra Wilson, and Rebecca Davis; brothers-in-law, Logan Davis, James Davis, and Bob Napier; half-brother, Paul Hayes; mother-in-law, Granny Butch Davis, special friends, Joe Ewing and Frank Monroe; a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends and his Army buddies from the 1st Platoon D Co. 3rd/47th 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam, especially Paul Baird and Roger Grossinger.

Visitation will be held Sunday from 5 until 8 pm at the Evarts Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday, January 8, 2024, at 3 pm in the chapel of the Evarts Funeral Home with Pastor Rodney Freeman and Associate Pastor William "Chick" Kelly officiating.

Burial will follow in the Evarts Memorial Garden with military rites performed by the Harlan Honor Guard. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Evarts Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Johnny Michael Hayes.