Thomas Allan Hays
In loving memory of Thomas Allan Hays, 82, who transitioned to the open arms of Jesus on July 20, 2023.
Tom was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala in 1941, the first child of Bill and Margaret Hays. He cherished his memories of growing up in Chichicastenango, where his parents were missionaries. After high school, he enrolled in Eastern College where he earned a B.A. in secondary education/Spanish. He furthered his education at Moody Bible Institute where he met his future wife, Lois Ober. They married following graduation and went to Zacualpa, Guatemala as missionaries to serve from 1966 to1980. Due to guerilla warfare, they were forced to leave suddenly, so served in the Bahamas as missionaries for two years. That same year they returned to Guatemala where his wife Lois got involved in Precept Ministries International. She introduced Tom to Kay Arthur, the founder. He became Spanish Director of Precept Ministries, training Spanish speaking people in South and Central America for nearly 30 years.
After retiring from the mission field, Tom volunteered at Walker State Prison in Georgia teaching Spanish speaking prisoners how to study the Bible. When he was at home he cultivated roses, irises, daisies, and many other flowers which brought him joy. His secret passion was oil painting along with collecting western paraphernalia, and he especially loved reading Louis L'Amour westerns. He also loved spending time with his family, playing board and card games. Tom was very competitive and kept playing games until he won. In college he played ping pong with his future brother-in-law, Bob Robinson, until he won.
Tom was preceded by his parents, Bill and Margaret (Davis) Hays, siblings, Samuel, and Peggy Robinson, and wife, Lois (Ober) Hays.
Tom is survived by sisters, Lois Hays and Martha Robinson, children, Tim (Bobbi), Esther, David, and Bill (Claudia). He was blessed with grandchildren: Benjamin (Molly), Jacob (Jenn), Aaron (Melissa), Nathan, Zayna, and great grandchildren: Charlotte, Lily, Michael, Daniel, and Oliver.
A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held in the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343, on Wednesday, July 26, at 1 p.m.. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, July 25, from 5–9 p.m. and also prior to the service on Wednesday. He will be laid to rest with his wife, Lois in the Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, Tom requested memorial donations be made to the Utatlan School Scholarship Fund. The gifts can be sent to the Primitive Methodist International Mission Board, c/o the treasurer, Mrs. Hannah Livie, P.O. Box 3045, Allentown, PA 18106. Please specify that the memorial gifts are in memory of Thomas A. Hays. For questions contact hannah.livie@gmail.com
Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist East Chapel, 404 South Moore Road, East Ridge, TN 37412. Please note that all services will be held through the North Chapel in Hixson.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com.