John Jerry Hayes, Jr.

John Jerry Hayes Jr, 58, passed away unexpectedly from illness on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at his home in Winston-Salem. He was the son of John Jerry Hayes, Sr. and Patricia Branscomb Wheeling. He was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents, Alma and Earl Branscomb. He was known to his family as JJ or Jay, and as John to his friends.

John was born on June 9, 1968, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. As a little boy, Jay had a baseball bat and a ball in his hands from the time he was three years old. He quickly improved his ability in sports through Little League and later in high school. As a highly talented high school baseball player, Jay played catcher and was a long ball hitter. He also excelled academically and made school look easy to others. His good nature, endearing smile, and quick wit made him popular wherever he went.

After high school his life changed direction and he pursued a career as a diesel mechanic, moving to Atlanta to be near his father. Jay loved his father deeply and enjoyed living near him. After his grandfather’s passing in 1988, he returned to Winston-Salem and continued working as a diesel mechanic. Because of his big heart and desire to help others, you could often find Jay fixing someone’s car as a favor to them.

Jay was very loved by his family and his friends, and he will be greatly missed. He was fiercely loyal to those he loved and cared about and had a deep sense of justice for others. Jay adored his children and grandchildren, and he always wanted the best for them.

It’s not hard to imagine that he was quickly embraced in heaven by his beloved grandparents and father and that he and Grandfather Branscomb are back to their incessant joking. As we consider life without him, it gives us great comfort to know that Jay is now free to play ball again with the ease of his youth.

He is survived by his mother, Pat Wheeling; his two daughters, Katelyn and Haley Hayes; his brothers, Brian Wheeling and Andrew Hayes; his sisters, Shana Richie, Brenda Warner Allen, and Brooke Uzdavines; his four grandchildren; and numerous loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Westchester Road in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is serving the family of Mr. Hayes.