Cover photo for John Davis Hayes Jr.'s Obituary
John Davis Hayes Jr. Profile Photo
1945 John 2023

John Davis Hayes Jr.

October 29, 1945 — May 12, 2023

Mr. John Davis Hayes Jr. most affectionately known as “Bubba” passed away on May 12, 2023 in Lakeland, Florida, at the age of 77. He was born on October 29, 1945 in Lake City, Florida, to his parents, Nather Lee Robinson and John Davis Hayes Sr.

He was a graduate of Richardson High School, class of 1965.

Mr. Bubba later met and married the love of his life, Trudy Underwood and together they shared 52 years of marriage and 3 children.

Mr. Bubba, best known by his colleages as “Jake” was a dedicated Truck Driver. After over 49 years of service, he decided to retire from the road. Upon retirement, he enjoyed fishing, dancing, laughing, working on cars and spending time with family. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, his words were well respected. He was kind-hearted and would give you the shirt off of his back. Above all things he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

John Davis Hayes Jr. is preceded in death by his father, John Davis Hayes Sr.; his mother, Nather Lee Robinson; his grandson, Antwonn Hayes Jr.; his brother, Willie Hayes; his grandmother, Willie Mae Simmons; his grandfather, Nathan Hayes; his son-in-law, Robert Sykes Jr. and his special friends, Jackie Johnson and Willie "Pop" Hayes.

He leaves his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Trudy Hayes; his daughters, Tonia Hayes-Sykes, Lashonda Hayes, Tamara Kemp; his sons, Antwonn Hayes Sr., Gary Wilkens, Curtis Smith Sr. (Della); his grandson, JaDen Williams; his granddaughters, Ayonna Hayes, LaKaya Zinnerman, Dezarayae Williams; his great-grandsons, Kendall McNeil, Ken’mani McNeil; his great-granddaughter, Karolyn McNeil; his sisters, Joyce Ann Stafford (Jerry), Patricia Fisher, Shirlene Davis; his sister-in-laws, Lora Borders (Jimmie), Shirley Smith, Vivian Underwood, Joann Flowers, Devora Hayes; special nephew, Tony Stafford (Constance); his god-children, John Griffin, Venesia Carter, Stephanie Clayton, Sentorria Butler, Devanshae Broadnax, Jamie Williams Jr., Elijah Harris, Zaylen Gaines; his special friends, Ernest Martinez and Archie Monroe to cherish his legacy.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 2pm at the Hayes Residence 1647 Martin L. King Jr. Avenue Lakeland, FL 33805. We will celebrate with reflections, laughter, music and dancing. We welcome you to wear any shade of blue with us. Bring your memories and a lawn chair!

Richard Funeral Services

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Davis Hayes Jr., please visit our flower store.
Mr. Bubba-s Memorial Folder.pdf
Open

Service Schedule

Past Services

Family & Friends Fish Fry

Friday, May 19, 2023

Starts at 5:00 pm (Eastern time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Celebration of Life

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

A Celebration full of storytelling and reflecting. We welcome you to wear any shade of blue with us. Don't forget to bring your memories and a lawn chair!

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 439

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree