Ms. Rebecca "Inez" Haynes' Obituary
Ms. Rebecca Inez LaCroix Haynes, age 91, of Hendersonville, Tennessee passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023. She was born in Trigg, Tennessee in Giles County to the late Matthew and Lethia LaCroix. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters Annie Boles and Helen Chance. She is survived by her daughter Michele Ray (Tim), brother Price Wayne LaCroix, grandchildren Scotty Ray (Deanne) and Brandi Ray, and great-grandchildren Hailey Ray and Maddie Ray.
Inez was a very talented singer and sang with her sisters Annie and Helen as The LaCroix Sisters and with her father, Matt LaCroix at a very early age. In August of 1950, The LaCroix Sisters were invited to audition for Roy Acuff. They sang for him in his dressing room backstage at the Ryman Auditorium and Roy hired them on the spot. He asked that they be ready to fly out for a two-week tour the next morning. When they returned to Nashville, they performed for the first time on The Grand Ole Opry and were asked to join the Opry on August 19, 1950. Inez often said that this was the most thrilling moment of her life. Her only regret was that her little brother, Price Wayne was not a part of the group. She said that he played beautiful guitar and was a wonderful singer. While singing with Roy Acuff as part of the Smoky Mountain Boys and Girls show, they traveled all over the world entertaining the troops. This tour took them to Germany, England, Austria, The Azore Islands, Iceland, and Newfoundland. The girls also traveled with the Hadacol Tour appearing with Micky Rooney, Chico Marx, George and Gracie Burns, Carman Miranda, Bob Hope and Hank Williams, Sr. Inez laughed about the many times that Hank Wiliams was a ”no show” and the girls were called to fill in for him. She also appeared in the movie Country Music Holiday alongside the likes of Zsa Zsa Gabor, Patty Duke, Faron Young, Ferlin Husky and June Carter. She had so many interesting stories during her time as an entertainer. Two times, Elvis Presley came to the Opry and both times walked up to her backstage and put his arm around her shoulder. He even sent her a Christmas card! Inez was always described by anyone who met her as the sweetest person you would ever meet. She was an amazing mother and loved her daughter Michele dearly. She adored her son-in-law Tim and her grandchildren, Scotty and Brandi, Great-grandchildren, Hailey and Maddie and their mom – Deanne. Inez was truly one of a kind and lived such a full life. In addition to her prolific country music career, she went bear hunting, was a beautiful dancer, and even won a hole in one golf tournament - and she didn’t even golf! Inez was loved so dearly by her friends and family, and will be sorely missed.
The family of Ms. Haynes invites friends and relatives to join them at Spring Hill Funeral Home in a time of visitation and remembrance on Saturday, September 9, 2023. The family will receive visitors from 12pm until 2pm, with a Celebration of Life Service in the Spring Hill Funeral Home Chapel at 2pm. She will be laid to rest at a private family burial.
Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery has been entrusted with the final care of Ms. Haynes. 5110 Gallatin Pike South, Nashville, Tennessee 37216. (615) 865-1101. “Where Nashville Comes to Remember.”
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