Gary Franklin Hays

After a 2,610 day war against the debilitating effects of a massive stroke, Gary Franklin Hays finally claimed his victory in Jesus October 25, 2025 at Sharkey-Issaquena Nursing Home, just three days shy of his 73rd birthday. He was a man of both grit and grace with a genuine servant's heart, whose legacy can be summarized best by Matthew 25:40, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." 

The oldest of 5, Gary was born in Rolling Fork, MS on October 28, 1952 to Harold Franklin Hays and Betty Elaine Boyd. From his childhood in the south delta, to his teen years on the streets of New Orleans, to his time as a young army recruit traveling the wegs of Germany, Gary grew up hard and fast, and lived a life that taught him more lessons than any formal education could ever offer. He was, to say the least, forged in fire.

In 1978 Gary married the love of his life, Jan Mitchell Hays. While he'd be the first to tell you that he wasn't always an easy man to deal with, the love he had for his "little darlin'" was fierce, unconditional, and unwavering throughout every single second of the 47 years the two shared. Together they had 2 children, Noelle and Gabby, and all who knew him will attest to the fact that there simply aren't enough words to describe what Gary's children meant to him nor what he means to them. In fact, the only thing Gary adored more than his children were his grandbabies, his "Brina (Sabrina Hays), "Gracie" (Abbie Grace Herring), and "Tilly Willy" (Tilly Hays), better known as his "baby girls," and his "Buddy-Buddy" (Sam Herring), who remained steadfast by his grandfather's side until his very last breath.

By trade, Gary Hays was a skilled carpenter and plumber but was never too proud to do whatever was necessary to care for his family when it mattered most. His hobbies were hunting, fishing, playing poker with his buddies, and going out to eat any time he had the chance. What he enjoyed most of all, however, was serving others. From driving his "little old ladies" to their various appointments, to taking children to church, to washing someone's car before a loved one's funeral, to inspiring a little boy to make a 100 on his spelling test by promising to take him fishing, Gary Hays LOVED to love and be of service to others. He didn't consider himself to be anyone extraordinary, he simply loved others like Jesus does.. He knew he was rough around the edges and just a sinner saved by grace. The life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind is a story of redemption and a testimony to that same amazing grace.

Gary is survived by his wife Jan, his children Noelle Whiteside (Eric) and Gabby Hays (Amber), his grandbabies, his siblings, Linda Winslow, Kenny Hays, Pam Myshrall and Hank Hays, as well as a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved mother in law, Flora Mae Mitchell, and his precious niece Katelynn Craddock.

Pallbearers will be Johnny Smith, Eric Whiteside, Brad Craddock, James Kent, Pojo Hays, Kelly Perry, Kevin McDaniel and Jonathon Kent. 

Services will be held October 29, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Rolling Fork, MS with visitation from 9:00-11:00 and the funeral immediately following. There is no "dress code" and a nursery will be provided. Come as you are, just as he would have wanted.

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