Johnny Franklin Hayes

Johnny Franklin Hayes age 77 served as a pillar to Henderson County, City of Lexington, and the State of TN. Johnny started his career as a young man in 1973 with the City of Lexington Police Department where he followed in his father’s Chief J.D. Hayes footsteps. He later went to work as Chief Deputy with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department. He later went on to work for the State of Tennessee Bomb and Arson Division. During this time, he served in the Tennessee National Guard.

After retiring from the State of Tennessee as a special agent, he finished his career as a Lieutenant with Henderson County Sheriff Department. He served his city, county, and state for 43 years. He took pride and enjoyed his career.

One of his proudest moments was solving a case and being filmed by Forensic Files and America’s Most Wanted. He loved playing music with his uncle J.C. and Dot Hays in the Country Gospel band. He enjoyed every minute being around family and reminiscing. He was a member of Bible Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Johnny was born on August 19th, 1949 to the late J.D. and Alice Blankenship and passed away Friday November 6th, 2026 at home surrounded by friends and family singing gospel hymns.

He is survived by his wife Ilian “Nat” De Jesus Hayes, one daughter Jaclyn (Shawn) Wood, one granddaughter Hannah Grace (Taylor) Mullins, one stepdaughter Vivianette Bonilla, one stepson Kevin (Jamie) Matus, a brother Michael (Candi) Hayes, four nieces Misty Tremain, April Downen, Desarai Garner, Heather Hayes, one nephew Jeff Hayes, and a host of friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents J.D. & Alice Hayes, one brother Larry J.D. Hayes, grandparents Jim Frank & Linnie Mae Hays and Priest & Essie Blankenship.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday November 10th, 2026 at 1pm in the chapel of Stanfill Funeral Home. Visitation will be at Stanfill Funeral Home Sunday November 8th, 2026 at 1pm and will remain open until his service time on Tuesday with interment to follow at Lexington Cemetery.