What is your first memory of Kim? Share a favorite memory you have of Kim. Tell us about a special moment you shared with Kim. Describe a time when Kim made you laugh or smile. What is something you will always remember about Kim? Talk about a shared experience you had with Kim. What is something you did together that you enjoyed? Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Kim. Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Kim. What is something you learned from Kim?

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Obituary

Guest Book

About

University of Kentucky

Kim Kays Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 6, 2005.

LAWRENCEBURG KAYS, KIM, 55, passed away in his home on Thursday, November 3, 2005, after a courageous battle with cancer. Kim attended the University of Kentucky in the early 1970's where he met his wife, Mary Carol Horton, of Portsmouth, OH. Together they opened one California Waterbeds retail showroom and over the years Kim grew the business to 35 stores under the names California Waterbeds and California Bedrooms. After his retail stores closed in the early 1990's, Kim stayed in the furniture industry as a consultant and sales representative. Most recently he joined a venture with a longtime friend to open a Handy-Man business in Middletown, KY. Greater than any career achievement, Kim took great pride in his two daughters, Sarah and Molly, whom he adored. Kim had many passions over the years including food, cooking, wine, golf, wine, music, guitar, wine, technology, & travel. Those who knew him well knew of his penchant for flashlights, pens, games, pocket-knives and any well thought out gadget. Kim will be remembered for his many talents, his leadership, his zeal for living and a wonderful sense of humor. In fact, he was a Kentucky Colonel but often said he wouldn't want to join any club that would want him as a member. Kim was fortunate enough to be the member of a core group of friends dating back to childhood and high school. Get togethers with friends and family were cherished times. Kim just made everything fun. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Mary Carol, and his daughters, Sarah Margaret (19) and Molly Gwinn (15). He is also survived by brothers, Kirk Kays (Cleo) of Naples, FL, Kevin Kays and Keith Kays (Danielle) of Louisville, and sisters, Kelli Thompson (Tom) of Winter Park, FL, and Karrie Hough (Bruce) of Louisville. A celebration of Kim's life will take place at 3 p.m. Tuesday, November 8, 2005, at First Christian Church, 300 South Main St., Lawrenceburg. In lieu of flowers donations in Kim's memory can be made to Hospice of the Bluegrass, 208 Steele Street, Frankfort, KY 40601, and the Kim Kays Cancer Fund c/o Middletown United Methodist Church, 11902 Old Shelbyville Road, Middletown, KY 40342.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Kim Kays's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Recent Activity

November 14, 2005

Debbie Noland posted to the memorial.

November 11, 2005

Deborah Windhorst posted to the memorial.

November 11, 2005

Mark & Kathy Cerretani posted to the memorial.

7 Entries

Debbie Noland

November 14, 2005

To the family of Kim -

I was close with Kim and his family and friends all through high school and college, and have always cherished the memories of him and his late mom, Jewel, and 5 siblings. I remember taking care of Kerri and Kelli out when they were little bitty precious girls. I also remember meeting Mary Carol when they first were married and was so happy for him. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers for your sad loss, and that Kim was a wonderful soul and loving and kind human being who will always be remembered by so many of us who were blessed enough to know him.

Debbie Noland, Waggener High School Class of '68

Deborah Windhorst

November 11, 2005

To the family of Kim Kays,

You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. I did not know Kim well but I know he meant a great deal to many people and he will be missed. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that one day you will be together again. Even though I only went there once, I will always remember the beautiful little house you remodeled after the cows lived in it.

Mark & Kathy Cerretani

November 11, 2005

Kelli, Tom & Family,

Please accept our condolences on your loss. Although we never knew Kim personally, through conversations with you and others, there is not doubt he was a very special person. Rest assured he is in a better place now, and is free of the pain he was feeling here. God bless you, Kim and his entire family.

Mark & Kathy Cerretani

Libby Harris

November 7, 2005

Mary Carol and family - I have thought of you often since I learned of Kim's illness. May you find comfort in the many memories you will cherish. It was a joy to work for Kim at CA Waterbeds. I will never forget the Christmas parties you hosted for the employees. God bless you all during this difficult time.

How you can show support

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Follow this page

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Susan Waits

November 7, 2005

Mary Carol, Sarah, Molly and family – My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. May you find comfort knowing Kim is now at peace. I feel very blessed in having known Kim, even if only for short while. I always felt welcomed in your home and was treated as if I were part of your family. I looked forward to the family gathering at your home each year when Kelli and I came up. I will miss being able to spend that part of our trip with Kim and playing pool with him and his friends. I would always think of him when I would come across a neat pen when shopping and wonder if he had it already. He was truly a great person, loving husband and father and friend to so many. I know he will be sorely missed by everyone he has touched during his life. I am thankful to have known him and will cherish those memories of the times I had spent with him and his family. May God’s love and the love of your family and friends comfort you all today and always! Love, Susan

ann long

November 6, 2005

So Sorry to hear about your lost. My prayers are with you and your family. May God Bless You

Terri Royalty

November 6, 2005

Mary Carol, Sarah & Molly, You are in our thoughts and prayers.May you find strength and comfort during this time.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results