John Lewis Hays, 82 of East Ridge, passed away Tuesday, July 30th 2019 in his home.
John was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, lived in the San Francisco area, then settled in the Chattanooga area. He was a very proud Army veteran, having served in the Korean War. John was a prankster at heart who loved to make people laugh, an avid reader of any kind of book, loved to cook and share recipes, and be outdoors camping or fishing. Above all, John loved animals; he rescued any and all animals he could.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Julia May Hays; parents, Earnest and Christina Hays; and sister, Sorrel Doris Hays.
Survivors include his children, Rik Hays and Robin Hays; step-daughter, Tamsey Moore; brother, Ray (Karen) Hays; grandchildren, Alli Hays, Gabrielle Conover, and Aaron Conover; step-grandson, Jay Moore; nieces and nephews: Chris, Heather, Josh, Will, Seth, Troy, and Pierce Hays; and a host of friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to McKamey Animal Shelter at mckameyanimalshelter.org or the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org.
Condolences may be shared at lane-southcrestchapel.com
Graveside services will be held on Friday, August 7th, 2020 at 2:30pm in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors.
Arrangements are by the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home & Crematory, Rossville.