Don Hays
Don Callaway “Bo” Hays, 92, a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, passed away on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, in a local hospital.
He was a graduate of Chattanooga Central High School class of 1946, attended the University of Chattanooga from 1946 – 1947 and served in the U.S. Army from 1947 – 1948. Following his service in the Army he was in the purchasing field for 30 years including 20 years at Dixie Yarns. Since 1982 Don was one of the leading Sales Associates for Aflac (and “The Duck”.) Also, since 1977 he owned thoroughbred horses and raced mostly in Kentucky. Don was president in the mid 1960’s of Purchasing Management of Chattanooga. He was active at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church since 1948 and served as Secretary of Board of Deacons, on the Finance Committee and on the Building Committee during the building of the present facility on North Moore Road. In 2007 he became a “Homebound Member” after 38 days in the hospital for back surgery, double pneumonia and undiagnosed staph infections.
Don was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Hazel Cherry Hays; mother, Maude Callaway Hays; father, Cecil T. Hays and a brother, Ted C. Hays.
Survivors include his son, Rob Callaway Hays (Sabrina); grandsons, Stephen Callaway Hays (Brittany), Shawn Callaway Hays and Brian Callaway Hays; great-grandchildren, Ivy Hays, Ava Hays, Harper Hays, Callaway Hays and Belle Hays; sister-in-law, Betty Brown Hays and nephews Ted Cecil Hays, Jr. (Donna) and Bruce Brown Hays (Marie). He was also survived by “real cousins,” Kay Waters, Dee Kessel and Ann McClintock.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 8, at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road, East Ridge, with the Rev. Lanny Johnson and Dr. Courtney Krueger officiating.
Burial will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m.– 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.