Thomas Hays

Thomas A. Hays, 80, of Bel Air, MD, went to be with his Lord on September 27, 2024 with loving family surrounding him. He was born in Rochester, PA, July 23, 1944 to Herbert Raymond Hays and Jean Elizabeth (Miller) Hays. He graduated from Freedom High School in 1962 and then went on to attend Washington Bible College in Washington DC. It was there that he met his wife, Roberta (Helman) Hays and they were married on June 11, 1966. Thom served in the Army from 1966 until 1968, including a one-year tour in Vietnam. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, he used the GI Bill to attend Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree in 1971.

Thom started his 34 year teaching career in August, 1971 for the Harford County (MD) Public Schools, teaching business and computer programming at Aberdeen, then Edgewood, then C. Milton Wright High Schools. He earned his Masters of Science Degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1987. He then served as Helping Teacher for Computer Education for Harford County Public Schools, Assistant Supervisor for Testing and Evaluation – Data, and Assistant Supervisor – Data for the Title 1 Office. He retired from his education career in 2007.

From the late 1990s through 2020, Thom and Roberta traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico. Thom especially enjoyed road trips and had explored 43 of the National Parks. He also enjoyed cruising and touring many countries in Europe and the Caribbean.

Thom's faith was always a vital component to his life. He was ordained as deacon at First Baptist Church, Aberdeen in 1982. He taught many small group Bible studies at church and in his home. He and Roberta were founding members of The Church at Riverside, Bel Camp, MD where he was also one of a team of volunteers who literally built the church building. When he moved to Bel Air, MD, Thom moved his church membership to Calvary Baptist. In November 2011, Thom and Roberta moved to The Villages, FL where they became active members at New Covenant United Methodist Church. He especially loved working with the Helping Hands Ministry, a group of volunteers who rebuilt homes for low income families. Thom enjoyed do-it-yourself projects including woodworking and building furniture, creating many pieces for family members. After 12 wonderful years in Florida, Thom and Roberta returned to Maryland to be closer to family. Thom loved sharing his story, telling everyone how God had been with him, working for his good, through all the ups and downs of life.

Thom is survived by his wife of 58 years, Roberta and two daughters, Kristina (Joe) Bauman of Aberdeen, MD and Amanda (Tim) Stamper of Eldersburg, MD. He also leaves behind six grandchildren: Kayla (and husband, Zak), Cale, Kallie, Kaycee, Lauren, and Lucas; three great-grandchildren: Dakota, Kaydence, and Zayne; siblings, Herbert E. Hays of Reidsville, NC; Robert Hays of Delmont, PA; and Kim (Hays) Tenney of Twenty-Nine Palms, CA, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, November 3, 2024 at Calvary Baptist Church, 206 Courtland Place, Bel Air, MD 21014. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church (see address above) or New Covenant United Methodist Church, 3470 Woodridge Dr., The Villages, FL 32162.