Dr. George Rufus "Rufus" Haynes , 92, passed away on September 13, 2021 in Houston, Texas after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was born in Nashville, AR on October 30, 1928 to Edgar White Haynes and Bertha Victoria Haynes.  He was married to Noella Haynes for over 32 years.  Rufus served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War with part of that time in a MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Unit) combatting hemorrhagic fever.  Just prior to discharge he was responsible for processing over 400 former POW's returning home from the war.  He was a graduate of Southern Arkansas University (A.S), Central Arkansas University (B.S), University of Arkansas – Fayetteville (M.S.), and University of Texas – Austin (Ph.D.) where he was voted as "Most likely to succeed" by his fellow classmates.  His illustrious career at Shell Oil Company where, he worked for over 25 years, was highlighted by participation in projects resulting in over 100 patents benefiting both animals and people.  In 1982, he began his second career teaching Chemistry at Cy-Fair High School in Cypress, Texas as well as part-time adjunct professor at Houston Community College.  Rufus will be remembered for his compassion and love for family and friends.  A devoted husband, father, grand and great grandfather known as Poppa to the youngest.

He loved playing golf and snow skiing when he wasn't meticulously manicuring his yard and pool.  He and Noella particularly enjoyed traveling, golf, and spending time with family.

Rufus enjoyed fellowship with his friends, and working out at the church gym, at Champion Forest Baptist Church where he was an active member since 1980.

Dr. Haynes is preceded in death by his first wife Betty Louise Hargis Haynes, both of his parents, brother James Edward "Jimmy" Haynes, and sister-in-law Earnestine Scott Haynes.  Rufus is survived by his wife Noella Haynes, children Alison Marie Davis and husband Steve, Timothy Andrew Haynes and wife Stacey, David Patrick Haynes and wife Jennielea, Luauna Marie Schmidt and husband Grant, Melinda Ann Fagan, and Curtis Lee Hagar wife Terrie, 14 grandchildren (Sara Fidalgo, Amy Davis, Holly Oakes, Hannah Haynes, Drew Haynes, Wesley Haynes, Heather Bruce, Heidi Haynes, Patrick Haynes, Tanner Schmidt, Mitchel Fagan, Lander Fagan, Mahaley Fagan, Carley Hagar), 4 great grandchildren (Adrey Fidalgo, Amilia Fidalgo, Kamryn Bruce, and Elliott Bruce), and nephews, James Scott Haynes, Edward Charles Haynes, and John David Haynes.

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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

American Cancer Association

www.cancer.com

or

Champion Forest Baptist Church

Forward Offering

www.championforest.org