James R.H. Hayes, age 95, of Smithville passed from this life on Sunday, March 23 at NHC HealthCare in Smithville from an extended illness. 

He was a member of Whorton Springs Baptist Church.  Mr. Hayes was a farmer and a US Army Veteran having served in the Korean Conflict. 

He was born December 25, 1929 to his parents, the late Floyd & Novella (Hutchins) Hayes.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary (Aughinbaugh) Hayes; son, Ricky Hayes and sister, Elsie Braswell.

He is survived by his daughter, Vicky (Joe) Bogle of Smithville; two grandchildren Michelle Trapp Cantrell and Tony (Amanda) Trapp all of Smithville; two step-grandchildren, Chris Bogle of Smithville and Eric (Tina) Bogle of Crossville; five great grandchildren, Brittany (Brennan) of Richmond, VA, Kylee (Austin) of Sterlington, LA, and Gage, Holden (Hannah) and Bryson all of Smithville; 6 step great-grandchildren, Kami, Kelsey, Chase, Dylan, Jacob, Piper; three great- great-grandchildren, Blakelyn, Briley and Karter; Brother, Johnny Hayes of Pegram, TN. 

Funeral service was held Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. David Mahan officiating and interment followed in DeKalb Memorial Gardens with Military Honors conducted by the Veterans Honor Guard. 

Serving as pallbearers were Gage Trapp, Holden Trapp, Bryson Trapp, Chase Bogle, Kaden Eldridge, Mark Hayes, Michael Baines, Eddie Braswell, and John Grubbs. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Whorton Springs Baptist Church in memory of Mr. Hayes

DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Smithville, was in charge of the arrangements.