John William Hays

John William Hays, 79, born in Salem, Illinois on Aug. 13, 1942, to William Francis and Jennie Bertoletti Hays, the 3rd of 7 children. Preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Joseph Hays. Survived by 5 siblings: Marie (Jim) Burke, Lee Hays, Alan (Mary) Hays, David Hays, and Gerry Gilbert. Married for 60 years to his high school sweetheart, Carrie Cole Hays. The father of 3 children: Doug (Beth), Will (Denise), and Denise (Darryl). Grandfather to 9: Rachel (Nick), Megan (Zac), Adam (Andrea), Evan (Rachel), Emily, Nicholas, Nathan (Callie), Jacob, and Wilson. Great Grandfather to 10: Jude, Lois, Anna, Lily, Franklin, James, Eliza, John, Canaan and Colton (due 10/21/21).

John served 33 years in the US Navy. 10 years enlisted as a Seabee, 10 years as a warrant officer (W1-W4) and 13 years as a commissioned CEC officer attaining the rank of Commander (05). He enjoyed 28 years of retirement, much of that time spent traveling in their Airstream, fishing, sailing, hunting with his sons and grandsons and spending time with his family.  

John had a strong love of Christ and called Northside Baptist Church home. Over the years, John served as a deacon, served in the construction  ministry and enjoyed the fellowship of the Gatekeepers group.

After a brief illness, John passed away on Friday, September 24th surrounded by his family. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at Chism Family Funeral Home, Vine Grove, KY and from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM, Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at Northside Baptist Church, 1800 Pear Orchard Road, Elizabethtown, KY.

Funeral services for Mr. Hays will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at Northside Baptist Church, 1800 Pear Orchard Road, Elizabethtown, KY.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 12:30 PM, Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central, Radcliff, KY.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hosparus

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John William Hays, please visit our floral store.