Funeral Service for Gerald “Cotton” Lee Haynes, age 79, of Vinemont, will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home with Eugene Loyd officiating, interment in Flint Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home.
Mr. Haynes went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, at his residence surrounded by his family as he peacefully entered Heaven’s gates. He was born Aug. 21, 1943, in Cullman, Alabama, to Earl and Alice Haynes.
Gerald was an icon in the town of Vinemont and was known for his love of sports. He was a great athlete in younger years playing both basketball and baseball. He channeled his love for baseball by spending years officiating baseball and softball games in North Alabama. He had a love for Alabama football that he could talk about for hours on end, and he could be seen at almost every game.
Gerald made countless friends around the United States quail hunting and training dogs. The most important thing that Gerald will be remembered by is his love for his wife of 58 years, Joyce, his children, grandchildren, family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Steve Mays; and granddaughter, Skylar Ann Mays.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Joyce Brannon Haynes; children, Regena Haynes Mays, Greg Haynes, and Lindsay Haynes (Tommy) Robinson; grandchildren, Allison (Brandon) Parker, Lauren (Eric) Smith, James (Anna) Nunn V, Hayden Robinson, Peyton Mays, Parker Mays, Reagan Robinson, and Grayson Robinson; great-grandchildren, Keaton, Cotton, Raycelyn, and Asa Coffee, Brooks, Bryce, and Davie Parker, and Finley and Norie Kate Smith; sister, Sheila (Eugene) Loyd; and a host of nephews, family, and friends.
Pallbearers are James Nunn V, Hayden Robinson, Peyton Mays, Parker Mays, Chris Loyd, and Trent Loyd. Honorary pallbearers are Keaton Coffee, Cotton Coffee, Asa Coffee, and Grayson Robinson.
