John Davis Hayes Jr.

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