Michael Stephen Haynes

Michael S. Haynes, 58, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 16, 2021. Mike was born on March 16, 1963. He grew up faithfully attending Lonsdale Baptist Church with his family. As a young adult, he became a member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church. He was a devoted and loving son to Carl & Charlotte; brother to Lisa (Rasor, Neil), Gregory (Kendra) and Matthew (Renee); uncle to Abigail & Camden (children of Lisa & Neil Rasor) & Christopher (son of Greg & Kendra Haynes) and loyal friend to many. Mike graduated from Halls High School in 1981. He was an alumnus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville graduating in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. After graduating with honors from UT, he was employed in the Production Department at FOX 43. In 1992, taking after his father’s entrepreneurial spirit, he founded and operated A-1 Couriers which he built into a successful delivery business serving East Tennessee and the surrounding areas. As an employer, he was loved and admired by his loyal employees and customers. Mike loved 70’s music and spending time with his family. Whether it be swimming at the pool, card/board games, trivia or a lively debate, he enjoyed all things competitive. As a fierce competitor in all areas of his life, he never backed down from a challenge. However, he was very sentimental; saving cards, letters, keepsakes and researching family history. He loved discovering previously untold stories about his family. Mike was an avid reader and an eloquent writer, briefly writing for the Halls Shopper while in college. He took great pride in composing short stories about his life and travels as a courier, as well as heartfelt cards and letters to friends and family. As a fan of all sports, he closely followed the Cincinnati Reds, Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Vols. He enjoyed fantasy football, watching Nascar, playing a round of golf, and competing with his softball family on the Ghetto Guild, but his true passion was playing and coaching baseball. His competitive nature was displayed on the baseball diamond. His close friends and teammates often referred to him as “Beast”, a nickname he earned in high school. His love for baseball began at six years old and continued throughout his entire life. He played as an adult on the Kodak Reds baseball team, travelling to the Roy Hobbs World Series every year since 1997 and helping secure the championship in 2015, 2017 & 2020. Mike started coaching youth baseball in 1983. In 2007, he began his high school coaching career as an assistant for the Fulton Falcons (2007-2012). He then helped coach the Northview Cougars (2013-2014), before finding a home with the West Rebels (2015-2021). As an assistant coach, he was beloved and respected by players, their families and the rest of the coaching staff. His legacy will live on for years to come because of the impact he had on his high school players, especially his West players who affectionately called him “Big Papa”. He is preceded in death by his father, Carl, and grandparents. He is survived by his mother, brothers, sister, nephews, and niece. Family will receive friends 5:00-7:00pm Monday, November 22, 2021, at Mynatt Funeral Home Halls Chapel with service to follow at 7:00pm. Family and friends will meet 10:15am Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at Mynatt Funeral Home Halls Chapel to proceed to Greenwood Cemetery for an 11:00am interment. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mynattfh.com