David Morton Haynes, III.

David Morton Haynes III, age 75, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in College Grove, Tennessee.

David was born on May 4, 1951, in Columbus, Mississippi, to David and Betty Haynes. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 1973, where he studied aerospace technology. While in college, he met his sweetheart, Keitha Kendrick, and the two were married on November 22, 1973, in Pensacola, Florida. In 1982, David and Keitha moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he began his career as a pilot with FedEx. Together, they lived a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure as they raised their three children, Terry, Melissa, and Brad.

David was a kind, generous, and devoted husband and father. His children remember a man who encouraged everyone he encountered to live life to the fullest, embrace adventure, and follow Jesus. His faith was central to his life, and he remained active in his church, always seeking to build meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.

David had a lifelong love of adventure and enjoyed tennis, flying, camping, skiing, and sailing. He also had a knack for painting, playing the guitar, and writing, authoring several books on theology and observations on life. He delighted in introducing others to new experiences and encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones. He had a joke ready for nearly any occasion, a gift for lightening the mood, and a welcoming spirit that meant he never met a stranger. Whether through a shared adventure, a good laugh, or a heartfelt conversation, David had a way of making people feel welcome and encouraging them to make the most of the life they had been given.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Keitha Haynes; his children and their spouses, Terry and Shannon Williams, Melissa and Matt Perry, and Brad and Megan Haynes; twelve grandchildren: Cody, Hannah, Noah, Khloe, Hazel, Morgan and her husband Aaron, Hannah Kate, Skye, Ashton, Sadie, Holland, and Emerson; and his great-grandchild, Thompson. He is also survived by his sister, Rebecca Mott, and her husband, Todd; his brother, Jimmy Haynes, and his wife, Ellen; and his sister-in-law, Beth Haynes. He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Betty Haynes, and his brother, John.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to their special caregivers, Christy, Saira, and Bretta, for the love, compassion, and care they provided.

David lived with a spirit of adventure, a heart for people, and a faith that guided his journey. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, generosity, and encouragement that will continue through the many lives he touched.

“To the journey.”

Visitation with the Haynes family will be on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 9:30am until 11:00am, at Fourth Avenue Church of Christ in Franklin. The memorial service will follow at 11:00am.

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashville, TN (615) 857-9955. We proudly remain locally owned & operated.