Robert E. Hays "Bob"

WEAVERVILLE – Robert E. Hays, affectionately known as “Bob”, 75, of Weaverville, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2026. Born on January 2, 1951, in Indiana, he was the son of the late Bob and Zora Hays.

Although he was born in Indiana, Bob spent much of his childhood in Weaverville, a community he cherished and eventually returned to, where he made his home for the last 20 years of his life.

Bob’s faith in Jesus Christ transformed his life and became the foundation of everything he did. He devoted himself to sharing the Gospel as a pastor, preacher, and faithful friend, touching the lives of many through his ministry and unwavering love for others. An adventurous traveler and entrepreneur, Bob embraced life with curiosity, determination, and a servant’s heart.

Above all, Bob loved his family. He found great joy in each of them and considered his greatest legacy to be the example of faith he shared, encouraging those he loved to seek salvation and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Heather Hays-Black.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Jenny Rice (Derrick) and Kelly Hart (Richard); the mother of his four children, Clarine Hays; his sister, Sherry Ball; his grandchildren, Nikki Black, Dustin Black, Hannah Black, Savannah Silvers, Savannah Rice, Joseph Rice, Vincent Belt, Laythen Hart, Herschel Hart, and Charla Hart; his great-grandchildren, Kalin, Gentry, Preston, Lilly, Dustin Jr., Mavrick, Draco, Atreus, Ronin, Ezekiel, Hartley Kate, and Truett; as well as his best friend, Denise Hollifield. Each of them brought immeasurable pride, love, and happiness to his life.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, in the Chapel of West Funeral Home in Weaverville. Burial will follow at Grandview Cemetery, 470 Grandview Road in Marshall.

The family will receive friends one hour prior service at the funeral home.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to serve the Hays family during this time.