Talmadge Vee Hays was born in September of 1936 to Ray and Janie Hays he was their firstborn son. Talmadge Vee Hays died April 13 of 2025. What happened in the middle is the story of an exceptionally well lived life.

Dad was remarkable on not one but several fronts: He was a Master surgeon for forty plus years, a virtuoso of crisis management. He was a doer of most things and a fixer of all things. He was a great example of how to be a physician and how to live a good life. He unapologetically tried to be the best at whatever he turned his hand to. He believed in performing to the outer orbit of his capabilities in everything he did. He was charismatic, a resolute Christian in his belief and actions; his life was one of service; where scripture says "man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever" he believed it and he lived it and he did it. He was profoundly unafraid! He was as constant as the north star; you could sail your ship by him. He lived life at full speed and he believed in looking forward. Some say that he was carved out of iron. He was a tireless worker and dreamer. He imbued generosity and an unselfish nature, he offered help to all and would not let go, he would fearlessly fight. He was an autodidact expert in art and sculpture, unconventional engineering and equine genetics. He was slow to anger, he was patient and he rejoiced in the success of others, he prayed daily for strength and courage. The practice of medicine was his ministry and he touched countless lives with God's healing touch. He had the divine gift of being able to offer comfort to those in need. He was a gifted communicator; he always knew exactly what to say in whatever the situation. He loved to laugh and he loved to sing and he relished an off-color joke. He often said the eleventh commandment is thou shalt not take thyself too damn seriously. He was a steadfast provider and great father. He treasured his family, children and grandchildren, but he loved Mom more than anyone else, she was the love of his life. He was the best man to a lot of people. He helped countless souls and had many friends who would have taken a bullet for him. This is not hyperbole, just ask some of the survivors.

Talmadge V Hays was born 9/17/1936 to Ray and Janie Hays, he is the oldest of eleven. He went to the Annville Institute and then to Hope college where he earned his bachelor's degree. He served in the US army before going to the University of Louisville school of Medicine. He completed a surgical residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He then served the southeastern region of Kentucky as a preeminent surgeon and physician for 40 plus years. After his stroke in 2015 he lived out the rest of his life on his farm in Laurel County raising cattle and horses.

Talmadge is survived by his adoring and loving wife Deloris Hays of Laurel County and his children and grandchildren. Vee and Allison Hays of Lexington KY and their sons Talmadge Ian and Evan Hays. Dr. Jon Christian and Isobel Hays of Cincinnati Ohio and their son Jack and their daughter Jade Elizabeth Hays.

He is Survived by Alma and Bill Shouse, Lawrenceburg; Trueman Hays and the late Donna Hays, Gray Hawk; Ruth and the late Mike Sorrel, Goshen, IN; Ray and Sue Hays, London, KY; Linda and Jerry Lakes, Gray Hawk; Judy and the late Ronnie Shepherd, Lawrenceburg; Paul and Delina Hays, Gray Hawk; Carl and Vickie Hays, Gray Hawk. He is preceded in death by the Reverend Ray and Janie Hays, the late Henry Hays and the Reverend Calvin Hays, his beloved brothers.

As Dad is mourned and celebrated, he would advise you to boldly look forward with confidence and love in your heart with the knowledge that we will meet again.

Our family would like to thank his devoted brothers and sisters, Erin Milburn and Dr Ray Hays as well as all of the other wonderful caregivers who provided incredible love and support to Talmadge and Deloris over the last several months.

The funeral service for Dr. Talmadge Vee Hays will be held at 11 am on Friday in the Bowling Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow at the Hays Cemetery in Gray Hawk, Kentucky. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation beginning at 7 pm on Thursday at Bowling Funeral Home.