Calvin Conly Hays Obituary

Calvin Conly Hays was born March 10, 1939 in Gray Hawk, Kentucky, and left this world for his eternal home on December 21, 2024. He was 85 years old. The son of the late Rev. Ray G. and Janie Hays, Calvin was raised in Gray Hawk and attended the Annville Institute where he graduated in 1956. He then attended Union College in Barbourville, KY, and Central College in Pella, IA where he graduated in 1961. He completed his Masters of Divinity degree at New Brunswick Seminary in New Brunswick, NJ in 1964 and was ordained a minister in the Reformed Church of America shortly thereafter.

Calvin pursued his calling throughout his life. Having performed his first sermon from the top of a chicken coop when he was 9 years old, he preached all over the country from 1968-1976 as leader of the Cal Hays Evangelistic Association, providing the opportunity for thousands of people to give their lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ. He also served as pastor to a number of churches in several cities and states over the years, including Parkersburg, IA; Lansing, IL; Dulce, NM; Williamsburg, KY; Milan, GA; Waycross, GA; Blackshear, GA; and has been pastor of the Word of Life Church (formerly McKee Reformed Church) since 1998 until his death.

In addition to his ministry, Calvin was also involved in a number of businesses and social and community outreach programs over the years. In later years, he shared his extensive knowledge and expertise in biblical scholarship and gospel preaching and teaching with young men seeking to follow the call to ministry as he had done himself many years before. His primary purpose in life was preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and he remained loyal to that purpose for 76 years, discussing his plan for his next sermon only minutes before his sudden passing. No doubt he continued that discussion with the Lord Himself as soon as he crossed into eternity.

Calvin is survived by five children: Erin Hays Milburn of Gray Hawk; Cala Hays Coleman (Jack) of Harrodsburg; Jena Hays (Jimmy Newcom) of Lexington; Shani Hays of Gray Hawk; Joshua Hays (Jessicah) of Gray Hawk; and two step-daughters, Lisa Parkman of Bald Knob, AK and Kristen Bezek of Houston, TX. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson, along with nine of his siblings: Talmadge Hays, Alma Shouse, Trueman Hays, Ruth Sorrell, Ray Gee Hays, Linda Lakes, Judy Shepherd, Paul Hays and Carl Hays, and many, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Calvin was preceded in death by his wife, Carrie Cockrum Hays, and his brother Henry Hays.

Services will be held at Lakes Funeral Home in McKee on Saturday, December 28, with family visitation from 10-11, public visitation from 11-2, and Celebration of Life at 2 pm with burial to follow at the Hays Family Cemetery in Gray Hawk. Food and fellowship will be offered afterward at the Word of Life Church in McKee.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Word of Life Church, McKee, KY.