John Charles Hays, age 83, of Iva, SC, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at AnMed Medical Center.

Born November 13, 1942, in Anderson, SC, he was a son of the late George Lewis Hays and Mary McPhail Hays. He was also preceded in death by one brother, George Lewis Hays, Jr.

Charles was a graduate of Crescent High School Class of 1961, and served in the Army Reserves for 22 years. He was employed with BASF for 29 ½ years before retiring. He was a proud cattle farmer and a lifelong member of Varennes Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Linda Rumsey Hays; son, John C. Hays, Jr. and his wife Andrea; daughter, Rose Marie Crawford and her husband Donnie; brother, Lyman Hays and his wife Elizabeth; grandchildren, Avery Crawford, Nolan Crawford, Rayna Crawford, and Jocelyn Hays; and first cousin, Lyman Creamer.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Varennes Presbyterian Church with Rev. Marion Snider officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Varennes Presbyterian Church or Varennes Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 408, Starr, SC 29684.

The family will be at the residence.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM