CLEVELAND, GA
Michael Raymond Haynes, 67, of Cleveland, Ga., passed away on September 12, 2024, at his home.
Mike, as he was known to family and friends, was born in San Bernardino, California, to Gene and CaraNita Haynes. He grew up in the small town of Mt. Summit, Indiana, and graduated from high school in Newcastle, Indiana. Mike attended junior college in Ocala, Florida, and received a B.A. from St. Joseph’s College in Collegeville, Indiana, attending both schools on full athletic scholarships for baseball and basketball.
In addition to being an athlete, Mike was an excellent student, majoring in History. Mike’s early interest in history never diminished, and he particularly enjoyed learning about the Civil War and World War II. He loved joining his friends and family for competitive trivia nights and was always the person with the correct answer. His most recent trivia night ended with a 1st place finish and a high score that has still not been defeated.
Mike had a long career in the commercial insurance industry, working for several large insurance companies. He retired from Community Health Systems in 2017 as a Senior Claim Manager.Throughout his life, Mike loved reading political and military thrillers. He had a passion for travel, having been to almost every US State and several foreign countries. He was a dedicated runner, competing in the Peachtree Road Race for 10 consecutive years. Later in life, he became an avid hiker, visiting National Parks across the country, with a special place in his heart for Yosemite. He enjoyed walking and did so nearly every day. Even during his battle with cancer he would routinely walk over five miles a day.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Edgar Eugene “Gene”Haynes. He is survived by his loving wife, Joy Floyd Haynes; mother, CaraNita Winn Haynes; siblings, Rob (Jacque) Haynes and sister, Lana (Denny Newman) Parker; children, Bryan Haynes (Josie Kressner), Kathryn “Katie” Haynes (Sean) Trammell, and Luke Hornsby; grandchildren, Ada Kressner, Arlo Kressner, and William Hornsby; and nieces and nephew, Kayla Haynes, Shelbi Parker, and Kevin Parker.
Memorial services were held on September 18, 2024, at Mossy Creek United Methodist Church. The Rev. J Grantham officiated.
Family requests donations to be made in his name to help preserve his favorite walking trails in Smithgall Woods State Park, through the Georgia Natural Resource Foundation website at gnrf.gadnr.org. Donations can also be made to the American Cancer Society.
To share a memory or to leave the family a condolence please visit www.barrettfh.com.
Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.
