Zachary Bryan Hayes-Willis

Zachary Bryan “Zak” Hayes-Willis, 28, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at his residence.

He was born in Johnson City, where he remained a lifelong resident and graduated from David Crockett High School. While in school he most enjoyed wrestling, going to state twice and earning his space as captain.

Zak’s greatest love was his daughter, Ella, who inherited his bright smile, formidable sass, and love for Pokémon. He treasured the time he spent with her, whether it was while they were fishing or watching Dragon Ball Z.

He also enjoyed watching the Patriots or South Carolina Gamecocks when he had the chance.

Zak is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Oriville Hayes.

Those surviving include: his parents, Crystal Hayes Banner and husband Curtis, Daniel Willis Jr. and wife Chrystl; daughter, Arabella Beth “Ella” Willis and her mother Amelia Hale ; siblings, Airman E2 Dakota Whitaker, Alexis Whitaker, Brittany Ramsey, Abigail Willis, Chris Banner, Ari Banner, Brittney Britt, and Caitlyn Payer; grandparents, Linda Hayes, Danny Willis Sr. and Twyla Willis; aunts and uncles, Patricia Hayes, Jeff Hayes and his wife Crystal, April Banner, Mandy Nelson, April and Bobby Richardson, Timothy and Brenda Milhorn; nieces and nephews, Xavier Lawson, Princeton Staton, Sammy Ramsey, Braxton Payer, Emmitt Payer, Kayson Britt, and two more nieces on the way; special cousin, Jalynn Malone; special stepson, Ryder and his mother Shelby Freeman; friends, Logan Cross, Susan Abbott and Zack Abbott; and many more friends and family both near and far.

Special thanks to the kind folks at Jinx Proof Tattoo Emporium for always being there when Zak needed them.

The family of Zak Hayes-Willis will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home. A celebration of life will follow at 1:00 PM. Zak will be interred in a private family ceremony at Washington County Memory Gardens at a later time.