James Raymond Hayden, 91, of Murphysville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Maysville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born on September 1, 1934, in Minerva, Kentucky, Raymond was the son of the late John Wayne Hayden and Letha Pearl Snead Hayden.

Raymond proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army Reserves and was a devoted member of Shannon United Methodist Church. He was an avid fisherman who found great joy spending his days along creek banks and on boats with friends. He also loved camping, playing cards, and making memories with family and friends. Raymond never met a stranger and was known for his kindness, sense of humor, and love of the outdoors.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sallie Gill Hayden; his brothers, Gene Hayden, J.W. Hayden, Jesse Hayden, and Mike Hayden; and his sister, Mary Hester.

Those left to cherish his memory include his nephews, Mark (Tammy) Hayden, Kevin (Diana) Hayden, and Jeff Gill; his nieces, Mary Jane "Noodles" Jim Hazelbaker and Cheryl McDonald; and a very special great-niece, Amber (Jonathon) Wiggins, along with her daughters, Haley (JR) Kilgore and Hope Lung and great-niece, Katlyn Hazelbaker. He also leaves behind many other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were touched by his friendship and generosity.

Funeral services for Raymond Hayden will be held at the Knox and Brothers Funeral Home at 1:00 PM, Thursday, June 18, 2026 with Rev. David Cheek officiating. Burial will follow in the Charleston Bottom Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 11:00 AM until the hour of the service. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Hope, 909 Kenton Station Drive, Maysville, KY 41056.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jim Hazelbaker, Jonathon Wiggins, Mark Hayden, Kevin Hayden, Gary Gallagher and Caleb Mullikin. Honorary pallbearers will be Terry Howard, Chris Gardner, Greg Green, and JR Kilgore.

Condolences at knoxbrothersfuneralhome.com