Obit – Mr. Charles Edgar “Charlie” Hays Jr.

Mr. Charles Edgar “Charlie” Hays Jr., age 75, of the Pea Ridge Community of Smith County passed away on Friday October 24, 2025.

Charlie was born on August 30, 1950 in Williamsport, PA a son of the late Charles Edgar “Pete” Hays Sr. and Mildred Evelyn Lowe Hays. He was also preceded by a sister Mary Lowe Kiger. He was a graduate of Loyalsock Township High School in Loyalsock, PA. He played collegiate football at Lock Haven University graduating with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. His first wife was Linda Ann Rhodes who passed away in 1975, his second wife was Judith Carol Cammack who passed away in 2005, his third wife was Donna Flatt who passed away in 2016.

Charlie was a member of the Volunteer Rescue Squad in Austinville, VA. He worked in mining in Virginia and New Jersey where he was the mine safety instructor, moving to Smith County in 1984 to go to work for Jersey Miniere Zinc as the mine safety instructor. He worked for Metromont Pre Stress and then back at Dyna Tec Mine. He started and owned TN Mine Safety Services in 2008. He was on the Smith County High School Chain Gang for 25 years, assistant Scout Master for Carthage Troop 73 for a number of years. He was the treasurer for Volunteer Pistol Club and attended Life Church in Cookeville, TN.

Charlie is survived by four children: Mark (Christy) Schoolfield, of Defeated, TN, Charles E. “Chuck” (Jinna) Hays, III of Smithville, TN, Daniel (Desiree) Hays of Bell Buckle, TN and Ryan (Brandi) Hays of South Carthage, TN; grandchildren. Epiphany (Dusty) Perry, Heather Hays, Megan Tayse, Taylor Tayse, Patric Hays. Alexis Hays, Avery (Grant) Coen, JB (Bri) Hays and Charlotte “Charlie” Hays and nine greatgrandchildren.

Charlie was at the Gordonsville Chapel of Bass Funeral Homes where funeral services were conducted on Sunday October 26, 2025 at 6 PM.

Donations in memory of Mr. Hays may be made to Smith County High School Quarterback Club or to Smith County Humane Society.

BASS of GORDONSVILLE