JIMMIE RUFUS HAYES, SR.

The family of Jimmy Rufus Hayes Sr., (85) is deeply saddened to announce his passing on June 25, 2026. 

Rufus dedicated much of his life to serving his community as a volunteer firefighter with both the Rogersville Volunteer Fire Department and the Striggersville Volunteer Fire Department. In 1974, he was instrumental in founding the Striggersville Volunteer Fire Department, where he proudly served as Fire Chief for 45 years. Through his leadership, dedication, and vision, he helped build the department from the ground up and generously shared his knowledge and experience with future generations of firefighters. He later retired from the Rogersville Fire Department after more than 44 years of faithful service. He was a lifetime member of the Hawkins County Emergency and Response Team. He also served as Hawkins County constable for district 5 for several years. 

Born and raised in Rogersville, Rufus had a deep love for his hometown, its people, and the community he proudly served. He never met a stranger and was always happy to see friends and neighbors. Known for his quick wit and unforgettable sense of humor, he loved telling jokes-many of them a little too colorful to repeat.
Rufus was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karen Steele Hayes; his son, Brad Steele; Virginia Hayes, the mother of Bernice and Jimmy Hayes; his parents, Johnny Hayes and Ett Lee Hunley Hayes of Rogersville; and his sister, Alma Hayes Bradley.

He is survived by his daughter, Bernice Hayes (Trina); his son, Jimmy Rufus Hayes Jr. (Tammy); his granddaughter, Virginia Ann Hayes (fiancé DJ); and his stepchildren, Robby Bacon and Kathy Henderson Chance and grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to his special friends Amy Givens, Dorinda Dean, Lori Cernich, and Renee Furgeson. Their kindness, support, and friendship meant the world to Rufus and his family. The family would also like to recognize Chipper, his beloved dog and faithful companion, who rarely left his side.

Family and friends are invited to visitation at Broome Funeral Home on Sunday, June 28, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Burial will be held at McKinney Cemetery at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 29, 2026.  For those attending the graveside service please meet at the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
Striggersville Volunteer Fire Department
548 Oak Grove Road
Rogersville, TN 37857

Online condolences may be made to www.broomefuneralhome.com

The staff of Broome Funeral is honored to serve the Hayes family.

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