SACRAMENTO – Dr. Donald Ray Hayes, 85, of Sacramento died Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at his son’s residence in Cookeville, Tenn. Born August 22, 1937, in Crofton. He was an educator, serving as school principal and school superintendent for the State of Kentucky. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era and also served in the Army reserves, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. In recognition of his outstanding military service, he received the Meritorious Service Medal. He was also a member of Sacramento Baptist Church, where he served as deacon.
Dr. Hayes was a member of FFA, Lions Club, his high school varsity baseball and basketball teams, Sigma Chi Fraternity, Masonic Lodge, and Rotary Club. He obtained his Bachelor of Science from Murray State University, Master’s of Business Administration from Western Kentucky University, and Doctorate of Education from Indiana University. At age 30, he was the youngest school superintendent in Kentucky.
Don was called by many names: Donnie, Dad, Granddaddy, Uncle Don, Uncle Donnie, Colonel Hayes, and Dr. Hayes, but was usually just happy as long as you called him for supper!
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Edward Hayes and Annie J. Hayes; child, Kip D. Hayes; wife, Monna Fay Divine Hayes; and siblings, Phyllis Annette Coker, Glenda J. Luttrull, and James E. Hayes.
Survivors include his son, Dr. Don Kevin Hayes; daughter, Donita Hayes (Tom) Rhodes; and grandchildren, Dr. Justin R. Hayes and Cameron L. (Talia) Hayes.
Funeral services will be Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Sacramento Baptist Church in Sacramento, with Pastor Wendell Wood officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Pisgah Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Tucker Memorial Chapel in Sacramento and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Sacramento Baptist Church. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org, Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org, and Western Kentucky Tornado Fund at secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Finance/WKYRelief. Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home and church. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.
