Robert Hays

GALAX, VIRGINIA; ROBERT JAMES "BOBBY" HAYS age 50, passed from this world on Monday, October 9, 2006 in Twin County Regional Hospital, Galax, Virginia after sharing fifty years of joy and laughter with everyone he met. The last few years have been particularly difficult for his body but his cheerful and loving spirit never wavered. He was born in Marion, Virginia on June 2, 1956 and for the last twenty-five years he lived at the Carroll House Group Home in Hillsville, Virginia with his sister, Tommye Jo Hays and ten other buddies. Those who met and knew Bobby found love just as described by Paul in 1 Corinthians. He was kind, without anger, kept no resentments, and freely gave his love and trust to all. He loved to swim, dance, and travel with his mother and sisters, and spend time with his dog, Jeb, and cats, Boris and Bonnie. The lives of his mother, family, and many friends were enriched by his presence and they were greatly blessed by God to have him with them for so many years. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert James "Jimmy" Hays, and his grandparents, W.R. and Ethel Young, and R.J. and Mary Fulton Hays. He is survived by his mother, Rachel Jean Young of Marion; Four sisters and brothers-in-law, Tommye Jo Hays of Hillsville, Alisha and Scott Walker of Marion, Virginia and Billy Osborne of Wytheville, Ann Hays and James Mann of Abingdon; Two nieces, Beth Atkins and Shannon Mann; One nephew, Laurence Mann; Special aunts, Frances Newberry of Bland and Laura Lee of Atlanta, Georgia and numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins. Numerous friends and caregivers at the Carroll House and IDC Daycare and special friends, Maria and Tammy also survive. The family thanks all the staff of the Carroll House and IDC Daycare, present and past, who have given so much love and care to Bobby. They also thank the nursing staff of the Hillsville-Galax Hospice who has guided them through the last several months and allowed Bobby to go on enjoying life at his home with his friends. A memorial service will be held at Marion Baptist Church on Wednesday, October 11 at 4:00 p.m. with Dr. Mark Ross officiating. There will also be a memorial service for Bobby's Hillsville friends at the Carroll House Group Home at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Linkenhoker Echo Sunday School Class at Marion Baptist Church 1258 North Main Street Marion, Virginia 24354.