Ralph Anthony Hayes

Ralph Anthony Hayes, of Jackson Mo. went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 26, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 10, 1959, in Washington, Missouri, to the late Francis and Verna (Bequette) Hayes.

Ralph and Joyce Pinson were united in marriage on May 10, 1991, in a sweet and simple ceremony at the home of their dear friends, Brenda and Larry Harris. Together, Ralph and Joyce shared 35 years of marriage, raising a wonderful family and serving the Lord. Ralph treasured his time with his family and adored his sons. He was especially proud of each of his children's accomplishments and took great joy in watching his family grow.

Ralph was an avid outdoorsman who thoroughly enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, and spending time in God's creation. He was also a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan. Above all his hobbies and interests, however, Ralph was a musician. Music was an important part of his life. Through his songwriting and singing Ralph connected with others and brought joy to those around him. He was also faithful to his ministry, the Stained Spoon Project, through which he sought to serve and encourage others.

Ralph's faith in Jesus Christ was at the very heart of who he was. Before his ALS diagnosis, Ralph wrote a personal reflection he called “Ralph's Goodbye.” In it, he imagined his own funeral and expressed his desire that his passing would not simply be a time of mourning, but an opportunity to share the message of salvation and the hope he had found in Jesus.
Ralph wrote, “Don't be sad. If I'm right, my spirit is with my Savior though my lifeless body is still on earth.” He continued by encouraging those who shared his faith to celebrate the blessed hope found in Christ.

Ralph openly acknowledged his own shortcomings and his need for a Savior, writing, “I have long recognized my shortcomings and have long known my need for a savior. And I believe I have received the saving grace of Father God though I've never come close to deserving it.”

ALS eventually took Ralph's ability to sing and play guitar, something he deeply missed. Yet it could not take away his faith in Jesus Christ. Ralph once shared with his church the question that had come to him during a Sunday morning music service: “If I couldn't play guitar or sing, would there be enough left in my life to show I'm a follower of Jesus?”His life became a testimony to the answer. Even when music was no longer something he could physically make, his faith remained.

In his final message, Ralph asked his friends and fellow musicians to pick up their instruments and fill his service with songs of joy and hope. He specifically asked David Hayes to sing “Going Home,” ending with the words, “Thank God I'm home!!!” Ralph's greatest hope was that others would know Jesus. His final message to those who read his words was simple and heartfelt: “Please know that it's not too late to give your life to Jesus!”

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; his children, Connor (Bailey), Cody (Dakota), Caleb (Macy), and Casey (Taylor); his grandchildren, Khloe, Harrison, and Sammy; his siblings, David (Marsha) Hayes, Richard (Lillian) Hayes, and Esther Hayes. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers: Keith (Shelia) Hayes and Jeff Hayes.

Ralph's earthly journey has ended, but the hope he placed in Jesus Christ lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. May his life, his music, his faith, and his final message continue to point others toward the Savior he loved.

The family invites you to come celebrate Ralph's birthday with them on October 10, 2026, from 10:00 am till 4:00 pm, at the Cape County North Park #6. 

The Pendergrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with Ralph’s final wishes.