John Phillip Hayes

John Phillip Hayes, 44, of Grovetown, Georgia passed away peacefully on Monday, April 13, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

John was born on September 26,1981 in St. Petersburg, Florida, often spending his childhood summers vacationing in Madeira Beach with special family friends where he developed a love for beautiful sunsets. During his elementary years, he grew up in Martinez, Georgia graduating from Evans High School in 2000. John furthered his education at Augusta Technical College earning certifications in IT, Networking and Cyber Security. He was proudly employed for 10 years by the Augusta National Golf Club as a Network and IT Specialist. He advanced his career in 2015, until his untimely death, at ADP Augusta as a Cyber Security Manager.

Outside of work, John had many talents. In elementary school, John won the National Piano Guild. He was a self-taught guitar player and loved to play his collection of electric and acoustic guitars. John enjoyed collecting guns and spending Saturday afternoons at the Savannah River Rifle and Pistol Club. He looked forward to spending time fishing with his children and taking them to the shooting range. He loved whipping up a delicious meal with grilling as his specialty. Those lucky enough to know John will remember his contagious smile. He was extremely good-hearted, the epitome of selflessness and kindness. As a teen cancer survivor, he cherished every day he was given, always found the good in people, and was constantly thinking of how he could help others.

John was truly a foodie, always ready for a new culinary experience with the love of his life followed by a rival game of chess. John was a family man, lovingly taking on the nickname Mr. Johnny-Boy. He was always present for milestones, special family events and tailgates while cheering on his beloved Georgia Bulldogs. He was especially proud of his children and loved supporting his twins at their soccer games.

John was preceded in death by his father, Charles “Chuck” Hayes.

He is survived by his children Ava Marie Hayes and John William Hayes, both of Evans, GA and Hailey Marie Kneece (Andrew) of Graniteville, SC; his mother, Lola May Hayes of Grovetown, GA; brother, David Robert Hayes (Dawn) of Graniteville, SC; granddaughter, Peyton Kneece; uncles Robert “Bob” Hayes (Leticia) of Grovetown and Kenneth (Mona) Hayes of Spring Hill, FL; Additionally, he is survived by nieces, Cameran Hayes (Andrew) of Graniteville, SC and Somer Hayes of Augusta, GA, great-nephew Eden Humenanski and numerous cousins.

John is also survived by his best friend and soulmate Annie Domenico Kaigler and her children, Audrey, Charlotte, Julianna and Ellis.

The family is indebted and grateful to John’s best friend, Joseph Whitfield of Evans, GA, for his loving care and support during John’s illness.

A visitation at 10:00 a.m. followed by an 11:00 a.m. memorial Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, April 21,2026 at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, Grovetown, GA with the Rev. Timothy McKeown officiating. Burial will follow at Westover Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Robert Hayes, Joseph Whitfield, Jacob Peavey, William Hayes, Mike Opacity, and Stephen Hayes.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Emory Midtown Thoracic Surgery Team, the many nurses and doctors from Emory ICU Unit 11, Emory Winship Cancer Institute, Encompass Rehabilitation and Emory Midtown Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society">American Cancer Society.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com