Rev. Johnny Lee Hayes departed this life on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at Atrium Health-Cleveland in Shelby, NC. He was born on December 29, 1957 in Cleveland County, NC to the late William Jack and Flossie Allen Haynes.

Johnny was a 1978 graduate of Shelby High School and attended Limestone College in Gaffney, SC and Cleveland Community College in Shelby. He graduated from Atlanta Metropolitan College in Atlanta, GA with an Apprentice Certificate in Carpentry. In his early years as an apprentice, he received formal training in mathematics and blueprint reading, interior systems, welding, concrete forms and basic safety training as required by OSHA. He was a member of the Carpenter's Local Union #225 for 22 years. He retired as a Field Superintendent.

Johnny found his real purpose when he was called into the ministry. He gave his initial sermon on April 22, 2007. Understanding his call, Johnny was willing to do what Christ would have him to do. He wanted the best for everyone and always helped wherever he could.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Billy Joe Hayes and Jimmy Lawrence Hayes; two sisters, Debbie Hayes and Mary Williams; paternal grandparents, William and Charlie Lou Hayes; maternal grandparents, Johnny Davis and Ruth Smith Allen and a sister-in-law, Brenda Allen.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, May Dorsey Hayes; one daughter, Jaymee Hayes of Milwaukee, WS; two sons, Sherman Dorsey (Nikki) of Shelby, NC and Shawn Dorsey (Tonya) of Gaffney, SC; two brothers, Dean Allen and Douglas Hayes (Vickie) both of Gaffney, SC; three sisters, Elizabeth Fuller (Harvey) of Kingstown, NC, Charlene Ross (Tommy) of Blacksburg, SC, and Jackie Hayes (fianceé, Mark Taylor) of Polkville, NC; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a friend who was like a father, Will Wilson of Shelby; one aunt, Estelle Procter of Shelby; two uncles, Nelson Watkins and T. K. Watkins of Lawndale, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at 4:00 PM at Shiloh Baptist Church in Shelby with Rev. R.E. Devoe delivering the eulogy. Burial will take place at Sunset Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM until 4:00 PM on Thursday. Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloes.net. Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.