Luther Lee “Dick” Hays, 94, of Nashville, Tennessee passed away peacefully on Monday, October 28, 2024.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Clemmye Moran Hays; parents, Cornelius and Claire Hays; siblings, Harold Hays, Sam Hays, Evelyn Hays; and child, Luther Lee Hays, Jr (stillborn).
He is survived by brother, Wilbur Hays (Faye); children, Tricia Hays Parker (Phil), Jerry Hays (Christi); grandchildren, Beth Ann Lindish Allgood (Tom, Jr), Sara Lindish Frosheiser (Brendan), Zach Hays (Melanie), Claire Hays Roberson (Patrick), Aaron Hays (Olivia); and great grandchildren, Rhett and Nora Allgood, Charlotte Hays, Hannah and Matthew Frosheiser.
Dick married his high school sweetheart, Clemmye Moran, on December 20, 1952. The love they shared was truly an inspiration to all. He loved his family and cherished time spent together.
Dick graduated from Antioch High School in 1948 and Austin Peay State University in 1952 where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. At APSU he lettered in all three major sports and was selected All-Conference in each sport.
He was also elected Governor of APSU in 1951 (the highest honor for a student), and he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education. He later received his master’s degree from the University of TN in Knoxville. He loved his time as a teacher and coach. His career began at North Nashville High School later working at Antioch High School, Apollo Junior High, Cameron Junior High, and Glencliff High School.
He retired from the public school system in 1980, but his retirement was very short-lived. He became principal at Ezell Harding Christian School (EHCS), Antioch, Tenn., in 1981, and he remained there for 11 years before retiring permanently in 1992.
He received many awards over the years, including Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools Sports Hall of Fame, APSU Athletic Hall of Fame, Outstanding Leadership in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Dedicated Christian Service and Example to the Youth of Nashville.
Dick was an active member of the Tusculum Church of Christ for more than 50 years teaching classes, serving as both a Deacon and later an Elder. The only thing he loved more than the church was God. He truly “walked the walk” and shared his faith whenever he could. His love for God and the church never wavered.
A special thanks to the entire staff of Adams Place in Murfreesboro, TN for their excellent care throughout the years and to Caris Hospice who made his final hours peaceful and pain free.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM and on Monday, November 4, 2024, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Tusculum Church of Christ, 6117 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211.
Funeral Service, also on Monday, at 12:00 PM also at the church. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. https://www.woodbinefuneralhome.com
Pallbearers – Zach Hays, Aaron Hays (in absentia), Tom Allgood, Jr, Patrick Roberson, Jay McClain, Barry Moran, Rion Moran.
In lieu of flowers, family has requested donations to Tusculum Church of Christ in Nashville, TN, Ezell Harding Christian School (www.ezellharding.org/give), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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