Jerry Hays Sr

Jerry David Hays Sr., of Hernando, passed away at his home on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. He was 76. Jerry was born in Harrisville, West Virginia to Samuel David and Evelyn K (Lumpkin) Hays, and was the oldest boy of their nine children. He served in the US Army during Vietnam, and he was a Purple Heart recipient. He was honorably discharged and moved to Citrus County in late 60’s. While working as a paramedic and ambulance driver in Inverness, he met his future wife Alma Kinsey at Citrus Memorial Hospital. Jerry later changed career paths, and became a safety supervisor for a nationwide construction company, for which he worked many years. He moved his family around every couple of years to follow where he was working on a particular jobsite. Jerry and his family eventually settled back in Citrus County, and he began working for himself. He owned and operated many small businesses, two of which were a mechanic shop and a masonry business, specializing in stucco. Jerry was a member of Hernando Church of Christ for many years, as well as VFW Post #7122 and Post #4252. He was preceded in death by several siblings, and his grandson Jordan David Hays. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Alma Hays of Floral City; his son Jerry D. Hays, Jr. (Connie) of Lake Panasoffkee; his daughter Julie Rogers of Hernando; his brother Larry Hays; his sister Barb Wolfe; grandchildren Amber Hays, Christopher Rogers, Katie Robinson, and Joshua Miller; and his great grandchildren Kysen, Deonta, Zyair, Adrian, Aubrey, Bennett, and Emmitt. Private cremation arrangements are in the care of Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Cremation Care, Inverness.