Douglas Wayne Hays, age 81, of Rome, entered into the presence of the Lord on Saturday, September 26, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Mr. Hays was born in Rome, Georgia on December 29, 1944, son of the late Eugene Stewart Hays and the late Annie Mae Pelfrey Hays. He was preceded in death and united in Heaven with his two sisters, Shelbia Hays and Sheila Vines and a brother, Ray Hays. Mr. Hays was raised in the Shannon Community and attended Model High School. He worked at Galey & Lord as a shift supervisor before his retirement. Mr. Hays served the Lord for many years as a Deacon at West Rome Christian Church, and most recently attended West Rome Baptist Church before his health declined. Doug was a loving husband and father who enjoyed listening to Christian music and watching the Atlanta Braves. He loved the children in his family, his nieces and nephews. Many recall his building boats carved from tree bark to float with them in the stream or his playful attempts to make them laugh with silly pranks and tricks. But, nothing brought him more joy than simply spending time in the company of his children and grandchildren.

Mr. Hays is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Kathey Gravely Hays. Their marriage was grounded in faith and served as a model of unconditional love for their family. Survivors also include a son, Dwayne Hays (Scarlett); two daughters, Heather Walker (Kenn) and Amy Hays; four grandchildren, Libby Jannot (Kevin), Kelsey Christie (Jamison), Ben Walker, and Wes Walker (Katie); three precious great grandchildren, Finn and Alex Jannot and Abigail Christie; a sister, Janice Hays; nieces and nephews. Mr. Hays' family finds comfort and peace in the promise of Heaven.

"What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived--God has prepared these things for those who love Him." --1 Corinthians 2:9.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 1:00 PM from the Oaknoll Memorial Gardens gazebo, 2549 Shorter Ave NW, Rome with Mr. Hays' nephew, Pastor Joey Ineichen officiating. Interment will follow. Pallbearers will be Kenn Walker, Danny Serrit, Tommy Autrey, Cole Autrey, Greg Culberson, and Marc Swindle.

In keeping with Mr. Hays' love for His Heavenly Father and for children, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Children's Ministry of West Rome Baptist Church, 914 Shorter Ave NW, Rome GA 30165 in lieu of flowers. The family would also like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Tapestry Hospice for their kindness and care.

Salmon Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Mr. Douglas Wayne Hays.