Dennis R. Hays

Dennis Ray Hays, age 77, of Kettering passed away on October 24, 2024. He was born in Portsmouth on March 11, 1947 to the late Harold and Violet Hays. In addition to his parents, Dennis is preceded in death by his siblings, Lois Hays and Byron Hays.

He is survived by his wife, Llana; children, Shannon (Robert) Hays, Britten (Chris) Cooney; step-children, Victoria (Erika) Mount, Michael (Bethany Davidson) Mount; grandchildren, Jacob Haines, Andrew Haines, Gabrielle Haines, Corin Cooney, Liam Cooney, Jude Bailey and beloved dog, Daisy; along with many other family and friends.

Denny graduated from Fairmont West in 1965 and immediately after served two years in the United States Army, stationed in Fairbanks Alaska. Upon his return to Dayton he attended The Dayton Art Institute School of Art and also studied art at Wright State University. He worked for D.K. Burnap Advertising agency for 35 years where he retired as the V.P. of Creative.

Denny was a member of N.C.R. Country Club and an avid golfer. He loved being on the golf course and had a dream of painting golf course landscapes after he retired. Besides playing golf, his favorites pastimes were having a glass of wine in the evening with his wife Llana, flipping burgers on the grill for a family cookout, cruising in his classic truck, or walking his dog Daisy or his granddogs in the park. Family was so important to Denny. He was a devoted father to his daughters and grandchildren, who he was affectionately known as “Fuzzy Papa”. He adored each of them and loved family time during the holidays. 

Denny’s quirky sense of humor made him fun to be around. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. He was a good and loyal friend and was he loved by so many.

A gathering with family and friends will be held from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Newcomer Kettering, 3940 Kettering Blvd. Memorial service with military honors will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Russ Morgan to officiate.