Jack Kell Haynes

Jack Kell Haynes passed away peacefully and surrounded by his adoring family on Sunday, July 15, 2012. He was born March 18, 1936 in Atlanta, Georgia to Helen Mansour Haynes and Bill M. Haynes. Kell was a loving husband of 52 years to his devoted and beautiful wife, Anita, who called him her “very special love” and dedicated herself to providing for his comfort and care. Together they raised their daughters, Sharon and Kimberly, teaching them to be grounded in faith, thankful for the blessing of family, and joyful in the gift of life. Jack treasured being with his family and friends, delighting them with his fabulous sense of humor, and sharing stories of fun and adventure. Jack spent his boyhood years establishing his great love for baseball, western movies, Georgia Tech, and fun. There was no better way to spend an afternoon than by basking in the glory of a good Braves baseball game. Growing up as brother to his adored younger sisters, Regina, Bonnie, and Patricia, Kell began one of his most cherished roles in life as leader, coach, and protector. As a young husband, he also treasured gaining a brother in Thomas Brinkley Howard (“Brink”) who would often spend weekends with the newlyweds. Kell and young teenage Brink would spend Saturday afternoons working in the yard and reward their hard work with a good burger fresh from the grill. Jack attended Hoke Smith High School and was elected President of the Student Council, Vice-president of the senior class, and Most Likely to Succeed of the Class of 1954. He enjoyed playing all kinds of sports, especially basketball, football, and tennis, and he was cast as the lead in the school play, “A Date With Judy” his senior year. Jack began his career in the accounting department of GMAC in August of 1955, but left briefly in late 1958 to serve his country as an artillery gunner in the Army. Upon his return to GMAC in May 1959, he met the love of his life and married her on May 20, 1960. Jack took on the role of husband, father, and businessman with hearty commitment and added to it the goal of earning a Bachelor degree during night and weekend classes. He graduated from Georgia State University in June 1969, earning the Dean’s Key for outstanding academic achievement. Jack pursued his GMAC career with tremendous dedication, holding many positions including Credit Manager, Branch Manager, Regional Manager, and Executive Vice –President and re-locating to offices in Atlanta, Asheville, Detroit, Tampa, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. He loved meeting new friends and co-workers in each city and embraced each new adventure with enthusiasm. As a proud father-in-law to Mike and David, Kell welcomed his sons into the family with warmth and love, often giving them good-natured advice on marriage and family. With the arrival of his grandchildren, it was evident to everyone that Allie, Megan, Elena, Daniel, Thomas, Lydia, and Michael were his pride and joy. They could count on their Beau to always greet them with pure delight. Whatever sport they were playing, he was their biggest fan, whatever school fundraiser they were selling, he was their best customer, and whatever class they studied, he was sure they were geniuses. His encouragement and optimism will launch them into their own life pursuits with the sweetest motivation. Upon retirement, he settled into his home on the lake with his “bride” and treasured the everyday blessings of their life together in Newnan. His many friends were a central part of what he looked forward to each week as he held onto this life firmly with both hands. Jack’s family would like to express their deep and abiding gratitude to his caregivers, Cynthia, Beverly, Melinda, and Gwen. Their tenderness and loving care will continue to honor his memory for many years. Also, the family would like to thank their many amazing friends whose devoted prayers, concern, and service has sustained each of them with strength and grace. Jack Kell Haynes is survived by his loving wife, Anita Howard Haynes, also of Newnan; daughters, Sharon Haynes Gruber and her husband Dr. Michael Paul Gruber, of Newnan, Kimberly Haynes Robertson and her husband David Alan Robertson, of Winston-Salem, NC; grandchildren, Allison Renee Gruber, Megan Michelle Gruber, Thomas Haynes Gruber, Elena Christine Robertson, Daniel Haynes Robertson, Lydia Caroline Robertson, Michael David Robertson; sisters, Bonnie Hiles and her husband Ed, of Cumming, Regina Eubanks and her husband Richard, of Hampton, Patricia Olvey and her husband Duane, of Cleveland, and brother-in-law, Thomas Brinkley Howard, Jr., of Newnan. The funeral services is 12:00 Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with Father Jeff Jackson officiating. The visitation is Tuesday evening between 6:00-8:00 at McKoon Funeral Home, 38 Jackson St., Newnan. Those wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.mckoon.com. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Coweta Samaritan Clinic, PO Box 963, Newnan, GA 30264, The Memorial Fund at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 576 Roscoe Rd., Newnan, GA 30263, or the Youth Ministry of First Presbyterian Church, 300 North Cherry St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101. McKoon Funeral Home© (770) 253-4580

Jack Kell Haynes

March 18, 1936 - July 15, 2012