Johna Hayes, Jr.

Johna Hayes, Jr., 64, of Green Cove Springs, FL, passed away Monday, August 25, 2008. He was born on January 18, 1944 in St. Augustine, FL to parents, John A. Hayes, Sr. and Gladys Eldridge Hayes. He served his country in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Johna was the owner of Gifts of History and was very involved in the Green Cove Springs community. He was the former President of the Green Cove Springs Merchants Association and initiated the Festival of Trees and the Memorial Day flags in the park. He was very much into health and fitness, including running and golf. Johna will be dearly missed by his loving family and friends. Survivors include his daughter, Leanne (Terry) Griffin; sister, Annie Merle Griffis; niece, Linda (James A.) King; niece, Barbara Craven; nephew, Charles J. Knowles; niece, Sandra Smith; niece, Charlene (John Rob) Robinson; niece, Cindy J. (Rick) Jones; great-nephews, James A. Burris, Jr., Tanner, Dalton, Dylan and Spencer Jones; great-nieces, Anna Monroe, Michelle Kramer and Terri Cannon as well as grandchildren, Michael Hayes Griffin, Cody Nevels, Ryan Griffin, Amanda Melancon and Teresa Bachman and great-granddaughter, Harleigh Melancon. In the event you would like to send a card or letter to Leanne's family her contact information is posted below: Leanne Griffin LGriffin@valwood.org 215 Red Bird Place Hahira, GA 31632 Plans are in process for "A Celebration of His Life" on September 20, 2008 at 4pm in Spring Park. The celebration will be a gathering at The Spring, the location of the Parade of Flags and Parade of Trees. The large pavilion has been reserved for a picnic. Please dress for a picnic, bring a blanket and / or lounge chairs and a side dish to share. After our tribute and picnic in the park, we'll have a social at Ronnie's Wings and More (patio room) to include a wine toast to Green Cove Springs #1 fan and a great American patriot. Over the next week or so we will learn how many family and friends are going to be attending the celebration and will plan accordingly. If you are planning to attend please contact Art Yeaman art@artyeaman.com or 449-4607 The following is a list of things for consideration: 1. Bring a side dish or dessert: contact Gaylee Page 529-9957 or Jenny Yeaman 284-4887 2. Gather your memories, pictures, news articles of John and be willing to share (copies) with others and or donate them for the celebration of life so his family, especially his grand children, may have information about him. 3. Volunteer to help make a display board to show others what contributions he made to Green Cove Springs. 4. Volunteer to help set up and or clean up 5. Tell others about John's contribution to our community, extend the invitation to others. Volunteer to help develop a printed program for the day of the celebration. 6. Make a donation to the Memorial Fund. 7. Read the U.S. Constitution: YES, if you really want to make a difference, be a student of the U.S. Constitution, if only for a short term that's OK--- we all have to start somewhere. 8. In the event you are not able to make it to the celebration you may elect to write a letter to be shared that day. Please send to Gifts of History P.O. Box P.O. Box 128, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Vystar Credit Union, Account number: 702743690, in the name of Johna Hayes Jr.  Cremation arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000.