J. Thomas Hays, of Punta Gorda, FL and formerly of New Jersey and Nevada, passed away suddenly on May 26, 2011 at the Charlotte Regional Medical Center. He was born April 23, 1941 in Morristown, NJ, Tom attended local schools and graduated from Morristown High School, class of 1959. He entered the US Army after high school and served two years in the Signal Corps. Upon his return, his career as a lineman with Jersey Central Power & Light and spanned many decades, ending his retirement from Sierra Pacific Electric in Reno, NV.
He is survived by his best friend and soul mate, Judy Sims of Punta Gorda; his children, John T. (Kelly) Hays, Melanie A. (Randy) Lemas and grandson Justen Sager, all of Reno, NV; his sisters, Lyn (Wendell) Fritts, Nancy (Richard) Barr and Terri (John) Hark. Judy's children, Richie Marquis, Bobbi (Lyn) Bevis, Karla (Darrell) Perkins, LeeAnna (Chuck) Smith; grandchildren, Shane, Jenni and Kyle, Dana and Jessie, Keith and special little buddy Lane and great grandchildren, Nathaniel, Haley and Rylan. He also leaves behind his beloved dogs, Jolly and Roxie. He is pre deceased by his parents, John C. and Lesena B. Hill.
A private memorial service will be held on June 3, 2011 in Punta Gorda. The family requests donations be made to the charity of your choice.
