Hirl Wesley "Paw "Paw" Haynes Jr.'s Obituary
Hirl Wesley Haynes, Jr. was born on February 15, 1940, in Beaumont, Texas, to the late Hirl Wesley Haynes, Sr. and Mary Sybil "Louise" Haynes. On Friday, July 10, 2026, he peacefully answered God's call and entered into eternal rest in Mandeville, Louisiana, at the age of 86.
Hirl lived a life defined by faith, family, education, and service. One of four children, he was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Cedric Johnson, Sr.; his siblings, Robert Gilder, Alice Marie Haynes, and Marvin Haynes, Sr.; and his beloved companion, Lisa Bradford.
A proud graduate of Grambling State University, Hirl earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. He later completed a teacher education program at McNeese State University, where he also earned a Master of Education degree and completed an additional 30 graduate hours. During the Vietnam War, Hirl was drafted into the United States Army, where he faithfully and honorably served his country for nearly two years.
Following graduation, Hirl began his career in Miami, Florida, before returning to his hometown of Leesville, Louisiana, in 1972. For twenty-nine years, he faithfully served the Vernon Parish School District as a coach, teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, or in the principal's office, he believed every child deserved encouragement, discipline, and the opportunity to succeed. His wisdom, leadership, and compassion impacted generations of students, educators, and families.
Even after retirement, Hirl's commitment to service continued. For twenty-five years, he worked as a role-player with the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Polk, Louisiana, helping prepare military personnel for deployment. As a proud United States Army Veteran, he considered it an honor to continue serving those who served our nation.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Hirl found his greatest joy in spending time with family and friends. He loved restoring classic cars, casting a fishing line on peaceful afternoons, enjoying competitive games of dominoes, and preparing meals that brought everyone together. His quiet strength, warm smile, generous heart, and unwavering love created countless treasured memories that will live on forever.
He leaves to cherish his precious memory his daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Johnson of Bossier City, Louisiana; former wife, Opalene Haynes of Leesville, Louisiana; son, Fredrick Carter of Leesville, Louisiana; sister-in-law, Dolores McIntosh (Gene) of Brandon, Florida; grandchildren, Cedric Johnson, Jr. (Ashley) and Latron "Skeeter" Mitchell (Crystal); great-grandchildren Ciarrah, Isaiah, and Carter; Goddaughter, Adrienne Canada (Simeon) of Laurel, Maryland; niece, Jacqueline Rodrigue (Patrick) of Mandeville, Louisiana; nephews Terence Haynes of Covington, Louisiana, Derrick Haynes (Yvette) of Indian Head, Maryland, Marvin Haynes, Jr (Rhonda) of Adelphi, Maryland and Jerel Haynes of Washington, DC; bonus children Cassie Coody of Merryville, Louisiana, Cagney Coody (Melanie) of Bossier City, Louisiana, Martin Murry of Bossier City, Louisiana, Doug Cooley of Leesville, Louisiana, and William Dunley of Leesville, Louisiana; bonus grandchildren Maylen, Caius, and Cohen; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, former students, colleagues, lifelong friends, and all whose lives were blessed by knowing him.
The family extends sincere appreciation to St. Tammany Hospital Hospice in Madisonville, Louisiana, and to the compassionate doctors, nurses, aides, social worker, and dedicated caregivers Michelle Barge, Gabby Sowell, and Dominique Brock for the exceptional care, kindness, and comfort shown during Hirl's final days.
Celebration of Life
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 1210 M.W. Harrison Street, Leesville, Louisiana 71446, with Rev. Joseph L. Garner officiating.
Visitation: 9:00 a.m. until the time of service
Interment: Leesville Memorial Cemetery
Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at https://www.labbymemorialfh.com
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