Thomas Avery Hays

1929 - 2023

THOMAS AVERY HAYS

October 3, 1929 May 13, 2023

Thomas Avery Hays, aka Tommy Hays, born October 3, 1929 in Hartshorne, OK and passed May 13, 2023. He was the 9th of 11 children, survived by his younger sister, Etta Lee Peavy. Tommy moved to California with his dog, Fritz, in 1947 to be with his high school sweetheart and new wife, Patsy Ruth Hays, who had moved with Tommy's family before him. They started a family in 1949 with Thomas Michael Hays and Brenda Susan Hays in 1951. He shared his love for the outdoors and hunting with Mike and his love for music with Brenda, who sings and plays piano.

Tommy's mother gave him his first guitar at age 10 to play at church which sparked his love for music. Upon his arrival in Bakersfield, Tommy quickly became a part of the local music scene and started a band. He was one of the original Pioneers of the Bakersfield Sound and gave Buck Owens his first gig at a bar in the early 50's. He performed on the Billy Mize Show and the Cousin Herb Trading Post Show and was a member of the house band for Lucky Spot and Blackboard, some of Bakersfield's most influential bars/dance halls and where the Bakersfield Sound was born. He grew up in the music scene alongside Merle Haggard and played with Maddox Brothers and Rose, Tennessee Ernie Ford and Anita Cross. Tommy was a Living Legend inducted into the Western Swing Hall of Fame at the age of 80. His career as a State Farm agent for 33 years played a huge role in his success, allowing him to do what he loved his entire life. He played live for the last time just two weeks before his passing at Branded Heart Fellowship Cowboy Church, which he helped found in 2014.

Tommy loved the outdoors and horses. Rancho Rio Stables is where he met and fell in love with his wife, Kim Hays, of 36+ years. They married in 1986, adding two more children to his family: Gia Martynn and Misty Pizzino Besinaiz. He was a member of the Kern County Sheriff's Mounted Posse since the early 80's and became Captain in 1987. He and Kim were Grandpa Tommy and Nana Kim to foster youth at Royal Family Kids Camp for years where they were able to share their love of horses with the children via partnership with the Mounted Posse, a legacy Tommy started that has continued throughout the years.

Tommy was a cherished Papa to 7 grandkids: Jamie Randy, Kerri Hays, Cristi Richburg, Joscelyn and Jared Pizzino and Nina and Craig Martynn. He had 9 great-grandkids: Tyson Hays, Sage, Sequoia, Sierra and Selah Randy, Governor and Sevyn Richburg and Coyote and Alaska Pizzino, as well as one great-great-grandson: Averett Hays.

Tommy always had a smile, a twinkle in his eye and a light that shined the love of his Lord Jesus throughout his life, along with a great sense of humor. He lived a life of adventure, joy and passion. His love, life and music will be forever remembered.

Celebration of life will be held at Canyon Hills Assembly of God, 7001 Auburn St. in Bakersfield on June 16 at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Branded Heart Fellowship c/o 2901 Dalea St Bakersfield, CA 93308.

www.bakersfield.com/obits