Hays

Mr. J. Dixon Hays, 81 of Covington died November 21, 2010 at his residence. He was born in Mansfield, Ga. to the late James Dixon and Ruth Ewing Hays. Mr. Hays was a Dairy Farmer in Newton County for 50 years. He served on the boards of many agricultural organizations including the Newton County Dairy Association, the Newton County Farm Bureau, Gold Kist Co-op and ASCS.  As a result of these efforts he was awarded the Distinguished Agri-Business Leader Award in 1982, by the Atlanta Farmers Club. Mr. Hays was also active in the community. He served on the Newton Medical Center Authority for 32 years. He served on the Snapping Shoals Electric Trust Board for 13 years. Mr. Hays was Treasurer and Board Member of the Mansfield Community Center. In 2002, he was honored for his community service with a resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives. Mr. Hays was a lifelong member of Luther Hays Presbyterian Church and served as an elder and treasurer for 26 years. His large extended family was a very important part of his life, therefore he organized and planned family reunions for both his family and his wife’s family and helped to organize the Hays Heritage Association.  Mr. Hays is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marilyn Harris Hays of Covington, daughter and son in law Melinda and Jim Lord of Forsyth, Ga., son and daughter in law Julius and Jamie Hays of Covington, grandchildren Jennifer Lord and Eric Wilson, Mary Beth Lord and  Rich Zamor, Rebecca Lord and Jessie Hays, his brother Pleas and Bettye Hays of Mansfield and many extended family members. Services for Mr. Hays will be held on Tuesday November 23, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Luther Hays Presbyterian Church with Rev. Mark George and Mr. Frank Malcolm officiating. Interment will follow at Hays Family Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made to the Newton Medical Center Auxiliary 5126 Hospital Drive Covington, Ga. 30014 or the Hays Family Cemetery Fund, 1509 Woodlawn Road, Covington, Ga. 30014. Friends may sign the online register at www.wheelerfuneralhome.com. Harwell-Wheeler Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 770  786-2524