Marc S. Hays

Marc Sonny Harber Hays completed his earthly journey on Thursday, January 5^th. He died while resting and holding the hand of his wife Harriet. The couple had celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary last June. She followed him in death eight days later, January 13^th.  Marc was born on April 17^th, 1929. Both of his parents, Cuma Harber Hays and Marcus A.H. Tyler preceded him in death. He had one brother, Wesley Roche Hays (Janet) and six stepbrothers and sisters. He was also blessed to have numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins some of whom he remained in contact with until his death.  He graduated with a BA in English from Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee and on Friday the 13^th, 1952 Marc/Sonny married Harriet Blanche Varney in Rochester, NY. Together they navigated Marc’s military service at Samson Air Force Base; his studies, Master of Divinity at the Southern Baptist Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky; and his pastorates at Pleasant Grove Baptist, Louisville; Switzerland County Baptist, Vevay, Indiana (1956-1961); Madison First Baptist, Madison, Indiana (1962-1969); and First Baptist of Plainfield, Plainfield, Indiana (1970-1980).  In 1976 Marc earned his Doctor of Divinity degree from the Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana. He decided to leave the pastoral ministry in 1980 and from that point on he served in several counseling capacities; Supervisor in Christian Theological Seminary Counseling Practicum (1980-1992); Pastoral Counselor for ABCGI (1981-1994); and had a thriving private practice through July of 2022.  Marc was the epitome of a life-long learner. He started running marathons at the age of 60, finished thirty-six in all culminating in his running the Boston Marathon on his 80^th birthday. He earned his pilot’s license at the age of 65 and began piano lessons when he turned 77. Throughout his advanced years he enjoyed beekeeping, wine making, and up until last year dancing to swing music. He was quite a guy!  Marc is survived by sons John of Palm Bay, FL, Paul of New York, NY, and daughter Mary (Glenda) of Indianapolis. He was the proud uncle of six nieces and nephews and a devoted and loving friend to chosen family, former congregants, and many others.  A Celebration of Life service for Marc and for Harriet will be held on Saturday, February 4^th at the First Baptist Church of Plainfield, 1012 Stafford Road. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. The Celebration of Life will commence with a Military Honor Guard ceremony at 3:00 p.m.   Arrangements by Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield.