James Esburn Hays

James Esburn Hays, 86, of Cullman, Alabama, was born on September 14, 1937, in Blount County, Alabama, to the late Hubert T. and Velma McCay Hays. Mr. Hays passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024.

Mr. Hays was drafted into the United States Army where he served with dedication and loyalty. After returning home from his time in the Army, James was employed with Altec as an electrician for 37 years. He was an avid farmer, and he loved his cows and enjoyed growing vegetables. Mr. Hays also enjoyed helping out his neighbors. James had good neighbors and he considered them his friends. Mr. Hays was a member of Shady Grove Church where he served as a deacon and a Sunday School teacher. He loved his Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, and he led with a Christlike example in his everyday life. James was a loving and devoted husband and father, and we will miss him greatly.

Mr. Hays is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Austin Hunter Robertson; sisters, Carol Barnett, Ozelle Stewart; and brothers-in-law, Gary Barnett, Bill Stewart, Gene Clements, Robert Hooper.

Those surviving Mr. Hays includes his wife of 59 years, Dixie Nell Cheatham Hays; his children, Tammy Hopper, Angie (David) Robertson; grandson, D.J. (Lakelee) Robertson; great-grandchildren, Kallyn, Banks, and Baylor Robertson; brother, Ethridge (Barbara) Hays; sisters, Chrystal Clements, Mary Lou Hooper; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Hays will be held on Wednesday afternoon, May 29, 2024, in the Holly Pond Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m., with funeral services following at 4 p.m. Burial will follow services in Duck River Cemetery where D.J. Robertson, Jeff Nail, Keith Hooper, David Robertson, Dean Sticher, and Ethridge Hays will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shady Grove Church in honor of Mr. Hays.

Mr. Hays’ obituary was provided with love by the Hays family.

Holly Pond Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hays family and our thoughts and prayers are with them.