Funeral Services for Mr. Virgil Sanford “Pappy” Haynes, age 86 of Ashland, was Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. at Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland with Bro. Noah Davis officiating. Burial will follow at the Clay County Memory Gardens with Military and Masonic rites.
Mr. Haynes passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2020 at his home. At the age of 15, he tried to join the Lincoln National Guard, but ended up joining the U.S. Army when of age, where he traveled to Hawaii. While in Hawaii, he met his now late wife, Hilda Kuulei Burgess. After receiving his honorable discharge, they decided to get married and start their life and family. Mr. Haynes graduated from the University of Houston, a technical college, to become a certified welder, where he would weld on pipelines, oil platforms out in the Gulf, on substations, and the Birmingham Green. He eventually opened his own welding shop, something he always wanted to do. Mr. Haynes always got up in the morning and worked until dark, during the rain, ice, or sunshine, all while inhaling weld smoke while enduring other health hazards. He did this to support his family and to help other folks when they needed help. He shared his knowledge with others who are certified welders today, while also sharing his knowledge of life and provided comfort, guidance to many people, young or old. Mr. Haynes lived, laughed and loved heroically. He was proud to be a husband, father, veteran, Mason, and friend, and he enjoyed sharing about his faith in Jesus Christ.
Mr. Haynes is survived by two daughters: Jenifer Leilani Klarfeld (Jay) of Sacramento, CA and Roxane Leialoha Foster of Clyde, CA; one son: Jeffery S. Haynes (Alisa) of Douglasville, GA; 5 grandchildren: Leaha, Maegan, Justin, Lauren, and Chelsie; 9 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Luneal Clutter (James) of Athens, and Jane Wheeler of LaGrange, GA; one sister-in-law: Carol Haynes of Florida; three brother-in-law’s: Edward Weldon of Saks, Donald Sparks and Robert Brown, both of Ashland; his wife’s brothers and their families, his beloved companion, Blackie; plus extended family.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Sherman Stonewall Haynes and Maude Alma Hall Haynes; his wife of 61 years: Hilda Kuulei Burgess Haynes; one son: Shannon Lanakila Haynes; one son-in-law: Gary Foster; three sisters: Alma Weldon, Vida Rebecca “Dimple” Sparks, and Madura Brown; and four brothers: A.G. Haynes, Sherman Hall Haynes, Clarence Haynes, and Jesse Clyde Haynes.
Active Pallbearers will be: Justin Haynes, Peter Murphy, Kevin Keene, Bobby Pruitt, Cody Cheatham, Jeffrey Williamson and Jay Flarfeld.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Edward Weldon, Roy Saxon, and Billy Williamson.
