Harold "Pepsi" Hays

Harold Pepsi Hays, 67, of Urbana, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 after losing his battle with cancer. He was born on April 24, 1947 in Springfield, OH, the son of James Oscar Hays and Julia (Steinberger) Hecker. Pepsi retired after 40 years of service at Pepsi. He attended West Liberty-Salem School and graduated from Norfolk, VA, South High School in 1969. He served in the United States Navy from 1965-1968, serving in Vietnam from 1967-68. Pepsi loved spending time with his family and friends and enjoying his free time in his backyard cabin. His favorite hobby was collecting and running his trains. Pepsi also enjoyed woodworking, fishing and creating outdoor projects. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church, the American Legion Post #120, VFW Post #1545 and DAV Chapter #31 and truly loved being Commander of Amvets Post #121 for the past 7 years. Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Anita (Holycross) Hays; 4 children, Staci (John) Cavanaugh, Jason Hays, Stephanie (Mario) Grimes and Roger Neer Jr.; 2 stepchildren, Stacy (Steve) Ferguson and Scott Bodey (Candi Lawrence); brother, Tom (Linda) Hays; grandchildren, Leila, Kenedi, Jaden, Matthew, Sara, Kristie, Tyler, Jacob, Steven, Noah, Lane, Harley; great-grandchild, Julien; and several nieces. Pepsi was preceded in death by his mother, Julia (Steinberger) Hecker; stepfather, Myron Hecker Jr.; and father James O. Hays. Family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, September 22, 2014 in the WALTER & SMITH FUNERAL HOME, Urbana, where a service will be held at 7 p.m. with Pastor Aaron Samples officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Pepsis memory to the family. A special thanks to Community Mercy Hospice, Springfield Regional Cancer Center, Grace Baptist Church, Pastor Samples and our Troops, for all their love and support. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.walterfunerals.com.