John William Haynes began life in Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on July 29, 1924. He was lovingly raised by his guardians, Clara and Elijah Haynes. John passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones in Norfolk, Virginia.
After graduating from high school, John was drafted into military service in July 1943, during a pivotal time in our nation’s history when the Army and Air Force operated as one unit. As the branches later divided, John continued his career in the United States Air Force, which took him across Europe and to numerous bases throughout the United States, including Alaska.
While serving his country, John met and married Ethel Hatcher, and together they had two children, Steven and Lisa. Upon returning to the United States, he served with the Tuskegee Airmen at Freeman Field, Indiana, where he later received an Honorary Captain’s Award.
After Ethel’s passing, John was blessed to find love again. On June 23, 2001, he married his loving and supportive wife, Shirley Williams.
John began his pursuit of higher education while stationed in Alaska and continued his studies in Texas. After retiring from the military as a First Sergeant, he utilized his GI Bill to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Virginia Wesleyan College (1977) and a Master of Divinity from the School of Theology at Virginia Union Seminary (1980).
He was appointed Pastor of Elm Avenue United Methodist Church (later renamed Martin Luther King United Methodist Church) in Portsmouth, Virginia, by Dr. Carl Haley. He later served at Galloway United Methodist Church in Falls Church, Virginia, where he oversaw the construction of a new sanctuary. In recognition of his leadership, the church’s Educational Wing was named in his honor. John also shepherded Asbury United Methodist Church, where he served two separate appointments. Upon retiring in June 2013, he reflected: “My years at Asbury United Methodist Church is where my spiritual development matured as God awarded me my PHD (Praise, Honor, and Devotion)”
John was preceded in death by his adopted mother, Clara Haynes; his first wife, Ethel Virginia Haynes; his son, Steven Haynes; and his bonus daughter, Luchia Wright.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Shirley W. Haynes; daughter, Lisa Haynes; grandsons, Steven Haynes (Amanda), Nathaniel “Nate” Haynes (Amy), and Malcolm Haynes (Twanisha); granddaughters, Sesha Haynes and Stacy Haynes; great-granddaughters, Trinitee J. Ricks, NeVaeh L. Yancey, Areionie I. Yancey, and Jada M. Haynes; and great-grandsons, Isaiah Turner. “Pop” was blessed with four additional daughters, Elizabeth Gravette, Santa Williams (Christopher Scott), and LaVare Ricks (Haywood); bonus granddaughters, Kaila.