Hugh M. Hays Sr.

After working for a time in the WPA and traveling across the country, Mr. Hays served in the US Army in World War II, seeing active duty in both the European and Pacific theaters. On moving to the Jacksonville area after the war, he began a career in sales but later worked for many years as a planner and estimator at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station. Mr. Hays was an active member of the Murray Hill Presbyterian Church and, in his retirement, became an avid golfer and gardener. Although suffering from failing vision at the end of his life, he maintained an enthusiasm for post card collecting that he loved to share with others.

Mr. Hays is predeceased by his wife of more than 50 years, Mrs. Viola Yenawine Hays, his two brothers, Hixon and Martin, and two sisters, Pearl Adams and Sarah Lantrip. He is survived by his son, Milton; his nephews, Gene and Tom Adams and their families; nieces Shelby Shad, Imogene Adams, Judy Arnett, and Barbara Rooks and their extended families; and by his close friend, Mr. Walter Hogg.

A memorial service for Mr. Hays will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, March 29, at Evergreen Cemetery, 4535 N. Main Street in Jacksonville.

Arrangements entrusted to Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 729 S. Edgewood Avenue, 904-388-2711.

Condolences may be sent to www.hardage-giddensedgewood.com