Sammy J. Hays, age 86 of La Plata, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.
Born July 30, 1935 in Yarrow, Missouri, the son of Samuel Lloyd and Amy Lorene (Mikel) Hays. On August 12, 1956 in Kirksville, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Shirley Pickett who preceded him in death on December 14, 2004.
Also preceding him in death were his parents; one brother, Jim Hays; and one son-in-law, Steve Shoop.
Surviving are two sons, Randy (Debbie) Hays and Danny (Tonia) Hays, all of Macon, Missouri; two daughters, Jana (John) Budzyn of Palmyra, Missouri and Erin Shoop of Fulton, Missouri; three grandchildren, Bryce (Rebecca) Hays, Whitney (Justin) Harlan, and Katlyn (Cody) Howard; four great grandchildren, Landon, Tessa, Hardin J., and Jarrett; one sister-in-law, Carol Hays of La Plata, Missouri; and his special friend, Mary VanMeter of Quincy, Illinois.
Sam lived and farmed all of his life in Adair and Macon Counties. He was a 1954 graduate of Kirksville High School. He moved to his farm east of Atlanta, Missouri in 1970 before retiring and moving to La Plata in 2004.
Sam loved playing baseball. He was a catcher for the Yarrow Baseball Team in his teens. Later he played for Art Gaines baseball teams where he caught several pitchers who later made it to the major leagues. He also played in a National Contest in Busch Stadium. Sam loved playing golf and square dancing.
Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Sunday, November 28, 2021 at Travis Funeral Chapel in La Plata, Missouri. Burial will be in the La Plata Cemetery.
Visitation will be Saturday, November 27, 2021 with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials in memory of Sam Hays may be made to La Plata R-II Schools to support the high school golf teams. They may be sent to or left at Travis Funeral Chapel, 125 S. Church St., La Plata, MO 63549.