Mr. James E. Hays, age 85, of Millport, AL, passed away Saturday, November 26, 2022, at Generations of Vernon.

Mr. Hays was born August 24, 1937, in Lamar County, AL, to the late John Rufus and Margie Ridgeway Hays.  He was a lifelong resident of Lamar County, and served in the US Navy for four years, then later retired from the garment industry and Kerr McGee.  Mr. Hays grew up in church and was saved at Asbury Methodist Church.  He later attended Open Door Christian Fellowship, Vibrant Church, and Columbus Christian Center.  His niece and nephew, Mike and Lucretia, were like a son and daughter to James and Betty, and they loved and helped with James and Betty as if they were their parents.

Funeral services will be Monday, November 28, at 2:00 PM, in the chapel of Chandler Funeral Home, with Kenny Gardner, Allen Speegle, and Jonathan Beasley officiating.  Burial will follow at the Asbury Cemetery.  Visitation will be 12:00-2:00 prior to the service.

Mr. Hays is survived by his wife, Betty Brock Hays, of Millport, AL; his son, Randy (Debbie) Hays, of New Albany, MS; one granddaughter, Lauren Hays (David) Womack, of Chelsey, AL; two great-grandchildren, Ridgeland Sisk and Skylan Bohom, both of Chelsey, AL; two brothers, Wayne (Helen) Hays of Fultondale, AL and Jimmy (Valley) Hays of Arkansas; his nieces and nephews, Jonathan (Lisa) Hays of Gardendale, AL, Mike (Beth) Hays of Vernon, AL, and Lucretia Fleming of Vernon, AL.