Johnny E. Hayes, 96,Vienna, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
He was born on Dec. 14, 1929, to the late Herman A. Hayes and Etta Marie (Haney) Hayes in Ellis Prairie.
From a young age, Johnny learned the value of hard work. After school, he would run home and head straight to work alongside his father at the family sawmill. Cutting rough-cut lumber was hard work, but Johnny loved every minute of it. Working beside his father and other relatives brought him great happiness and instilled in him the strong work ethic that would guide him throughout his life.
After several years of working with his father, Johnny moved to Maries County due to a new large supply of timber in the area. This led to the eventual opening of his first sawmill there. In time, he moved his family to Vienna and took on the challenge of building the sawmill business. Through determination and countless hours of hard work, Johnny’s sawmill became one the largest rough-cut lumber operations in the area.
As the business grew, he continued to pursue new opportunities. He built numerous homes and commercial buildings throughout Maries County, leaving a lasting mark on the community. One entire street of residential homes that he built in Vienna was named Hayes Street, a lasting reminder of his contribution to the community.
Johnny’s entrepreneurial spirit extended well beyond the sawmill and construction. Over the years, he raised cattle, grew and harvested hay, ran a dump truck operation, owned, rented and sold countless properties throughout the county. He was also a proud part-owner of a Tennessee Walking Horse that received national recognition and awards.
Although Johnny was a hardworking businessman, some of his happiest moments came from the simple pleasures of life. In his younger years, he loved fishing, hunting and spending time outdoors. Deer season was especially meaningful to him. Family members would gather at his property for deer camp, where days were spent hunting and evenings were filled with stories, laughter and time around the campfire.
As the years passed, family became even more central to Johnny’s life. Birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays were treasured occasions when family gathered at his home to share good food, laughter and one another’s company. Johnny was, without question, the “Center Figure” of his family.
He was also preceded in death by parents, Herman and Etta; son, Scott E. Hayes; brothers, Willard “Wid”, Wilbert and Robert “Jack” Hayes; sisters, Hazel Wheeler, Helen Shelton, Hartis Collins,Tressie Smrek, Dorothy Rauscher and husband Kell and Vera Leek and husband Dixon; and special sister-in-law, Bettye Hayes.
Johnny is survived by children, Connie Giacolone and husband Vince of St. James, Becky Merx and husband Jim of Cadet, Johnny Dean Hayes and wife Nancy of Pacific and Dianne Dugan and husband Clay of Charleston; grandchildren, Tina Dow, Vince Giacolone, Jr., Tony Giacolone, Angela Keehn, Michelle Mitchell, Chris Giacolone, Jimmy Robinson, Cynthia Luhning, Theresa Gage, Matt and Kim Hayes and John and David Dugan; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild and another on the way.
Funeral services were held on Aug. 15, at the Ellis Prairie Baptist Church in Ellis Prairie. Interment was at the Ellis Prairie Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggeted to the Ellis Prairie Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Null and Son Funeral Home of Rolla.
Online condolences may be offered at www.nullandsonfuneralhome.com.
