Smsgt. Charles Eugene Hays, Usaf (Ret.)

Charles “Gene” Hays, 82, entered into rest on Saturday, September 2, 2017.

Gene was born on January 2, 1935 in Rockmart, Georgia to the late Charlie and Bessie Campbell Hays. With pride and honor, he served his country in the United States Air Force for 27 years, with many of those years serving as a C-130 specialist. Gene grew up in Rockmart but was able to travel the world during his military career before coming to Warner Robins and making it his hometown for the past 40 years. His military career only encouraged his love of airplanes. After his military retirement, Gene dedicated seventeen years to Robins Air Force Base working Civil Service as a Quality Control Supervisor.

Along with his parents, his daughter, Deborah Chasteen and his grandson, Roger Caracappa preceded him in death.

His memory will forever be treasured by his adoring wife of 53 years, Bertha Hays of Warner Robins; children, Connie Caracappa of Ft. Myers, Florida, Butch Hays (Debra) of Rockmart, and Trixie Baker (Dickie) of Aragon; grandchildren, Jeremy Baker (Shannon) of Fairview, Tennessee, Rosanna Sanders (Rodney) and Brittny Jones (Scott), both of Rockmart, Alex Chasteen (Jill) of Alvarado, Texas, Adam Paul Caracappa of White Plains, New York, and David Winston Caracappa (Alisa) of New York City, New York; and great-grandchildren, Zoee, Dalton, Madi, and Trevor, all of Rockmart, Sophie of Fairview, Tennessee, Brett Chasteen from Alvarado, Texas, and Allegra and Winston of New York City, New York.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 10, 2017 in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. Family will visit with friends immediately following the service. Gene will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery in a private graveside service.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with Mr. Hays’ arrangements.