Richard L. Hays

Rich was born November 6, 1940 in Memphis, TN to Edward and Mildred (Anderson) Hays, Sr. He spent much of his childhood in Hardy, AR and graduated from Hardy High School in 1958. He is the father of Vickie Hays (Steve Cornell) of Vanderbilt, MI, Erick (Mary) Hays of Benton, LA, and Valerie (Lonnie) Hays-Schaub of Traverse City, MI.

On November 27, 1992 Rich married Carol Kukla, and became step-father to Shane Kukla of Lowell, MI, Ann Kukla of Caledonia, MI, Lance Kukla of Grand Ledge, MI and Jill (Gary) Curtis of Horton, MI. Together, Rich and Carol spent many years dancing, antiquing, and traveling the United States. He always said, ‘There’s so much more of this country I want to see.’

He was the proud grandfather of eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, Rich is survived by siblings Edward Hays of Marenisco, MI, William Hays of Memphis, TN, Winnifred “Winnie” (Thomas) Reynolds of Panama City, FL, Robert (Barbara) Voice of Kingsley, Francine Baatz of Kingsley, and Francella O'Brien of Colorado Springs, CO. Rich also remained close to his aunts Opal Gordon of Houston, TX, and Mary Crowe of Memphis, TN.

He was preceded in death by both parents, sister Anita “Sissy” Hays of Memphis, TN and aunt Elizabeth “Lib” Rogers of Homer, MI.

Rich proudly served his country in the USMC from 1958-1962. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and executed duty assignments across Southeast Asia. Following active duty, Rich was a loyal veteran, maintaining involvement and membership with the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Disabled American Veterans (life member), the American Legion Post 29 (Jackson), the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Cherryland Post 2780 (Traverse City-life member), and a former member of the American Legion Post 219 (Fife Lake).

Rich enjoyed researching and learning about the U.S. Military, both historical and current operations. He also found great pleasure in hunting, fishing, and spending time in the outdoors. Regardless of location, space, time or energy, Rich loved to plant, cultivate, and harvest his vegetable gardens.

A memorial will be held at Covell Funeral Home in Kingsley, MI, Saturday, July 3 at 1:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Springs KY 41076.

Please share a memory of Rich at www.MeM.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City.