Dr. Thomas (Tommy) Eugene Hayes

Dr. Thomas (“Tommy”) Eugene Hayes died at his home on July 13, 2021, just three weeks after the passing of Sarah Hayes, his beloved wife of fifty-eight years.

He is survived by his daughter, Kim (Pat) Rasbury, his son, Thomas (Lisa) Hayes, and seven grandchildren: Alexis Grace Jennings, Hunt (Beverly) Jennings, Harrison Jennings, MacKenzie Jennings, Cooper Hayes, Brown Hayes, and Mary Chapman Hayes. 

Tommy was born on January 7, 1936 in Waverly, Tennessee. His parents, Roy C. and Mary Hayes, and his sister, Ann McNeil Miller, all of Humphreys County, predeceased him. He was marked throughout his life by a strong sense of calling and by his commitment to his Christian faith and the Church of Christ.

A graduate of the Webb School in Bell Buckle and Austin Peay State University, he attended medical school at the University of Tennessee in Memphis where he graduated in 1961. He completed his residency at Baroness Erlanger Hospital and was chief resident there in 1965. In 1966, he was commissioned as an officer in the Medical Corps, United States Army and was then stationed at the 3rd Field Hospital, Saigon during 1967-1968. After his service in Vietnam, he was certified by the American Board of Surgery and became a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He practiced for most of his career in the Chattanooga area, both at Tri-County/Hutcheson and Memorial Hospitals.

More than anything, Dr. Hayes loved people, and he loved to serve and care for others through his profession and through his church. His children and grandchildren adored him, and he will be deeply missed.

A visitation will be held at East Brainerd Church of Christ on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Following at 6:30 pm, there will be a service at the church in memory of both Tommy and Sarah Hayes.

You may send condolences to the family at www.heritagechattanooga.com

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.