Mr. Victor Haynes Sr.

Victor Tracy Haynes Sr., affectionately known as Tracy, entered eternal rest on March 24, 2026, at his home in Elizabethton, TN. He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend to all who were blessed to have known him. Tracy was born on July 7, 1954, in Arlington, TN, to Ralph S. Haynes Sr. and Charlotte M. Haynes; he was the third of four sons. Tracy attended Barrett’s Chapel School from kindergarten through his junior year following its desegregation. After graduating from Bolton High School in 1972, he continued his education at Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma, for two years, later leaving to pursue marriage. Throughout his life, Tracy worked a variety of jobs to provide for his family. In his early years, he was a police officer, a technician at Mississippi Anesthesia Group, and worked for the Humphreys County Beat 3 Road Maintenance crew. Upon moving to Elizabethton, TN, Tracy was employed by Snap-on Incorporated before later transitioning to a machinist role at JARL, later operating under Alcan and Alcoa. He would work for the company until severe back pain led him into early retirement. Following his departure from Alcoa, Tracy ran shuttles for local fishermen. Proud of this business, he did it with vigor until his health would no longer allow him to do so. Tracy loved music in all its forms. As a teen, he played clarinet in the school band and also formed a band with his best friends, but more than anything, he loved to sing. Tracy served as the choir director of Christian Valley Missionary Baptist Church in Silver City, MS, and was also a dedicated member of the Laymen’s Choir and Community Choir of Belzoni, MS. In Elizabethton, TN, he became a dedicated member of Phillippi Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as director of the Men's Chorus. To say that Tracy was a passionate choir director would be a vast understatement. He expected those under his direction to give their all; when his fingers started to wiggle, everyone knew he wanted more. Outside of his family, singing, whether as a duet partner with his wife, Linda, or with the Men’s Chorus, brought him great joy. Known to many as “Big Cheese,” Tracy was also a lover of all foods, but cheese was a dietary staple. He’s eaten alligator, frog legs, and pig ears, and enjoyed other southern delicacies, such as souse and Red Rose hot links. He’s even dared to eat animals that his brother-in-law, Woodrow, would shoot and kill, such as rabbit, deer, and squirrel, but nothing could ever compare to a good ole bologna and cheese sandwich. What Tracy enjoyed most in life was being the best Paw-Paw he could be to his grandchildren, as he was a constant presence and influence in their lives. He made it a point to attend every school and sporting event until he was no longer able to do so. Tracy was also able to spend the last months of his life doting on his great-grandchildren. Tracy was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph S. Haynes Sr. and Charlotte M. Haynes, his paternal grandparents, George and Viola Haynes, his maternal grandparents, George and Nancy Susong, all three of his brothers, Micheal Deon Haynes, George Ronald Haynes, and Ralph S. Haynes Jr., and his beloved grandson, Jaden K. Haynes. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of fifty-one years, Linda P. Haynes; his three children, daughters Shamika Makendengue (Francisco) and Ebony Haynes, and his namesake, son Victor Tracy Haynes Jr. (Ginnefer); grandchildren Helena Makendengue, Semira Makendengue, Essence Murray (John), Jordan Haynes (Millie), Rheagan Haynes (Shannon), Peighton Haynes, Victor Tracy Haynes III, Christian Jameson Haynes; great-grandchildren Syncere Williams and True Williams; his beloved niece and nephew, Charlotte White and Deon Haynes, as well as a host of nieces and nephews he inherited through marriage. Also left to cherish his memory are lifelong friends Andrew Broom and Bish Thomas. Though plagued with extreme health challenges the last few years of his life, Tracy’s faith in the Lord never wavered. Tracy tried to live the life he sang about in church, and though he may have fallen short at times, he understood that redemption was free and that God’s grace and mercy were more than sufficient. His voice was a gift, his laughter was infectious, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him, but they can find peace in knowing that he is no longer in pain and that he is indeed singing in the Heavenly Choir. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent via Cash App to $Lindahaynes17

Mr. Victor Haynes Sr.

July 7, 1954 - March 24, 2026