John McRae Hayth, 87, of Salem, Virginia, formerly of Portsmouth, Virginia, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2026.

Born in Springwood in Botetourt County, Virginia, he was the son of the late William Peck Hayth and Elizabeth McRae Hayth.

John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in Turkey during the Cold War. He often enjoyed recounting his experiences monitoring Soviet activities during his military service.

Following his military service, John pursued a civilian career with the United States Army as a senior electronics design technician at Fort Eustis, Virginia. His work involved the development and testing of military aviation technology, and he took particular pride in his contributions to the Hellfire missile system.

John was a resourceful and skilled problem solver who enjoyed working with his hands. Whether maintaining and repairing the family's vehicles, tackling home improvements, or finding creative solutions to everyday problems, he preferred to do things himself. Among his many projects was the construction of a two-story garage at his Portsmouth home. His practical skills and ingenuity were evident in the many ways he maintained and improved his family's home over the years.

An active member of the churches he attended throughout his life, John generously volunteered his time and technical expertise operating and maintaining church sound systems.

In later years, John and his wife, Brenda, relocated to Salem, Virginia, to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, appreciating the beauty of their yard and watching and feeding the squirrels and other wildlife that visited.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Harrell Hayth, who passed away on January 8, 2026. After a lifetime together, John and Brenda were reunited just in time for their October 15 wedding anniversary.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, William Peck Hayth and Elizabeth McRae Hayth; and his brothers, Jim Hayth and Bill Hayth.

He is survived by his daughter, Wendy Hayth-Perdue; his son-in-law, Jimmy Perdue; and his two grandchildren, Natalie Perdue and Christopher Perdue.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem with Pastor Heath Rickmond officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation in support of dementia research and the search for effective treatments and a cure.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.