John H Hays' Obituary
He was the beloved husband of the late Betty Ruth (Traughber) Hays; loving father of Rebecca Ruth Hager (Grady) and Rachel Claire Greene of Mt. Laurel, N.J., and Barbara Grace Hays (Eddie) of Fairfield, Iowa. He was also father-in-law of Gene Greene. John was the dear grandfather of Bryan, Nathan (Melinda), Erin (Paul), Benjamin, Noah, Eric and Jessica; he was also the great-grandfather of Andrew, Michael, Sarah, Jessie, Eric, and Alexander James. John was the brother of Dorothy Peters and the late Nancy Hughes. John was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, serving in the Pacific.
John was born in Gulfport, Miss. He left school in the 6th grade to help support his family. He worked for Western Union for 37 years and started by delivering telegrams on his bicycle. He retired as a Senior Engineer. Each promotion often required relocating, and he moved from Tennessee to Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and finally settled in New Jersey. After retiring from Western Union, John returned to school and proudly earned his high school diploma. He also earned an Associate of Science degree at Burlington County College.
Retiring allowed John more time for his favorite activity: giving to others. He was a Lifetime Member of the Willingboro Emergency Squad and served as an EMT for over 20 years. He also volunteered for the Red Cross to help organize blood drives. He personally donated over 10 gallons of whole blood, and participated in their pheresis program. John taught armchair aerobics to seniors in nursing homes, and regularly entertained them by playing his guitar and singing. He also worked part-time at East Park Pharmacy.
John was devoted to his church. He was active in the Salvation Army in his youth and signed his Articles of War in 1949. He joined the Methodist church after moving to the north, and was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church for 45 years. He was a loyal, active, and well-loved member, and sang in the choir. He served in various committees. John inspired all with his enthusiastic AMENs.
John's greatest love was his family. He treasured his daughters and loved playing with his grandchildren--as well as his great-grandchildren. He loved dogs and nature. He spent many happy hours in his garden. He was generous, patient, and wise. He will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives he touched. His was a life well lived.
Relatives and friends are invited to John's Life Celebration from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Snover/Givnish of Cinnaminson, 1200 Route 130 North. Viewing and visitation will be held Saturday, at 11 a.m. and funeral at 11:30 a.m. at the St Paul United Methodist Church, 201 Levitt Parkway, Willingboro, NJ 08046. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in John's name to be sent to Saint Paul United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.
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