Tom Hayes

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Thomas Daniel Hayes, born August 1, 1964, in Flint, Michigan, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, in Cookeville, Tennessee on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the age of 61, after a courageous battle with cancer. Tom was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend.

Tom graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Following graduation, he began a 38-year career with Sherwin Williams, where he served as a store manager in Crossville, Tennessee. He loved serving the community alongside his work family.

Tom was a devoted man of faith, family, and fun. He had a strong, yet gentle spirit. His most precious memories were made on Center Hill Lake with his family. He was an avid outdoorsman, always cherishing his time spent in God’s creation. As a hunter, his passions for turkey and deer hunting were vast, with many great harvests and memories. He loved the sound of a turkey as much as he did the guitar playing of Stevie Ray Vaughn. He and Karen spent many nights enjoying live music and the sweet sounds of rhythm and blues. What made him happiest of all is the fact that he shared all his many adventures and passions with his family!

Following in his footsteps and carrying on his legacy are his wife of 34 years, Karen Hayes, and his daughters Danielle Hayes Hawkins (husband, Griffin Hawkins) and Ashley Hayes McKinney (husband, Sam McKinney). Also survived by his five siblings, Maria Shaulis (husband, Brian Shaulis), Monica Koby (husband, Roger Koby), Patrick Hayes, Rebecca Carrol (husband, George Carrol), and Joe Hayes (wife, Julie Hayes), aunts, Sue Hayes and Mary Fields, uncle, Frank Hayes, mother-in-law, Mary Ann Allen, sister-in-law, Jenny Alcorn (husband, Andy Alcorn), and many dear cousins, nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, John and Maria Hayes, his brother, John Hayes, his uncle, Thomas Hayes, and his father-in-law, Shirrel Allen.

Pallbearers: Tommy Ketner, Russell Long, Danny Lesko, Kenny Burchett, Danny McClain, Landon Goforth, Bryant Dunaway, and Kevin South.

A visitation for friends and family will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Collegeside Church of Christ, with a memorial service at 4:00 PM, led by John Nichols. A burial service will follow at West Cemetery, in Cookeville, Tennessee.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.