Richard Bright Hays of Pelham passed away Monday, May 18, 2020 at Archbold Memorial Hospital. A private family graveside will be held on Thursday at Hopeful Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Les Pollock will officiate. Born August 11, 1953 he was the son of the late Walter Donald and Sue Mathews Hays. He was a retired timber buyer and member of Hopeful Baptist Church. The Hays family lost their hero and the light of their lives. Bright was an avid hunter, golfer, and fisherman. He loved being outside, especially in the woods riding on his polaris. However, what far outweighed that, was the love he had for his family, especially his girls. Bright went by many previous names, but his favorite was PaPa to his granddaughter Brighton.. He loved the Georgia Bulldogs and was happiest when he was entertaining family and friends while watching football and cooking. Bright attended Ravenwood Academy where he was All State on the football team. Upon graduation, he went to work in the timber business with his father where he stayed until he retired. Bright had an infectious laugh and an outgoing personality. He never met a stranger. To know him was to love him. He made a lasting impression on all who knew him and his passing will be felt by many. He was married for 45 years to Marjorie Anne Bass Hays who survives. Other survivors include daughters, Kiley Hays and Kimberly West both of Pelham; granddaughter, Brighton West of Pelham; Brothers, Don (Knotty) Hays (Rebecca) and Greg Hays all of Hopeful; sisters, Terri Oliver (Jimmy) of Newnan; Susan Collins of Pelham; Becky George (Bill) of Lake Hartwell; Marsha Youngblood (Hank) of Sylvester. In lieu of Flowers memorials can be made to Hands and Hearts for Horses, 3828 Lower Cairo Road Thomasville, GA 31792.

Willis-Jamerson-Braswell Funeral Home, Pelham