Sam and Louly Hay of Covington are going to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 25. This "golden" couple were married 50 years ago at the First Methodist Church in Covington at 8:30 p.m.
Louly Hay described how it had rained earlier that day, but luckily the weather cooperated with their late evening service. Sam and Louly both giggled as they spoke about that day and how hot it was.
"That is why we did it so late," explained Louly.
The Hays have been active figures in this community for 50 years. They described with great passion how they have lived here for as long as they had been married. Louly was raised here in Covington, and they now make their home in the house where she was raised.
It is evident how much the city of Covington and Newton County mean to them. They raised their four children here and now their grandchildren are being raised here. Covington is a part of their marriage and their life together, and they are very proud to call this place home.
Sam and Louly both agree that the most important aspect of a healthy marriage is having a lot of together time but also time apart. The advice they give for young married couples is to always be involved with a church, be active in your children and spouse's lives and to get involved with your community.
"The church has always been the centerof our family," Sam said.
The Sam and Louly pride themselves on their children and community. "I have put my heart in to it," Louly said.
Sam has been involved in agriculture throughout his life and time with Louly. He is currently serving as a Trustee of the Agri-Trust of Georgia. He was also recognized as a "Man of the Year" last year in Newton County.
Louly, who taught English at Newton County High School for some time, went back to school during her marriage to Sam to become an ordained minister. She is currently serving as the Parish Associate at the Covington First Presbyterian Church. She was also named "Women of the Year," this year for Newton County.
Sam and Louly have been blessed with four children who Louly appropriately characterizes as "the loves of our lives."
Their eldest, Buncie Lanners lives here in Covington with her husband Jay and their children Jay Jr., 20, and daughter Sarah, 18. Buncie is currently the Executive Director of the Arts Association here in Covington.
Sam, their only son, also lives here with his wife Loucy, their children are Sam, 11, and Allie, 7. Sam is involved with the real estate and development business.
Florence, their third youngest, lives in Norcross with her husband Joe Luranc and their three children Louisa, 14, John, 11 and Hutson, 9.
Louly, their youngest child, is married to Steve Capp and they too make their home here in Covington. Louly is currently the director of the local YMCA of Metro Atlanta, Covington branch.
All of the Hay’s children attended and graduated from Newton County High School.
The Hay’s family will celebrate this milestone in their parent’s life on Saturday, July 25, with a small family dinner at their daughter Louly’s house.
Mr. and Mrs. Hay have been through many ups and downs throughout their 50 years together but say that keeping the church and their children first have made these the best 50 years they could be.
