James K. "Bubba" Hays

James Kimbell "Bubba" Hays, 80, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Claiborne Memorial Medical Center after a lengthy illness. Services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, January 20, 2025 at Cornerstone Church of Homer and Dr. Steve Fowler, officiated. Interment followed at Arlington Cemetery in Homer, LA. Visitation was on Sunday, January 19, 2025 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Homer, LA.

Mr. Hays was born in Gatesville, TX, on December 24, 1944 and moved to Claiborne Parish as a baby where he became a life-long resident. Bubba was a farmer for many years and later began driving for Lonestar Transportation where he worked until he retired. After his retirement, he and Susan enjoyed spending time together and she even convinced him to take a few trips with her. After Susan’s passing, Bubba enjoyed spending time with his boys and playing chauffeur to his granddaughters until they began getting their driver's licenses and he was forced to retire from that job as well. Bubba never missed a chance to spend time with his family or friends and he always seemed to know the latest news around town.

Bubba was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Susan Tatum Hays, parents William Taylor “Buddy” Hays and Mary Gladney Hays, as well as his brother William Taylor (Billy) Hays, Jr., his sisters Patricia Hays Bryan McLeod and Frances Gladney Hays Bays, nephews, Christopher Bryan and Charles Atkins, and niece, Carol Hays Bourn.

He is survived by his sister, Emma Jeanne Hays Atkins and sister-in-law, Joy Hays, his sons Kimbell Hays (wife Nicci), Clayton Hays (wife Trudy) and David Hays as well as his precious granddaughters Tatum Hays, Claire Hays, Jewelyn Hays, Mary Katherine Hays and Sarabeth Hays. Also left to cherish his memory are a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Served as pallbearers were Daniel Bays, Thomas Bourn, Chase Bryan, Ty Hays, Mike Stewart, Brian Pepper, Stephen Eubanks and Ryan Harmon.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Mark Haynes, Dr. Scott Haynes, Claiborne Memorial Medical Center, Passages Hospice, Presbyterian Village and Carolyn Brownmiller for the care and compassion shown to our Papa during his illness over the last 10 months. For friends considering a memorial honoring Bubba, his family suggests Cornerstone Church of Homer, Claiborne Academy or Claiborne Healthcare Foundation. 

 Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Homer Chapel (318) 927-6110