Michael C. Hays passed away on September 24, 2026, at the age of 72. Born on December 22, 1953, Michael will be remembered with deep love by all who knew him.

Michael built a life marked by hard work and dedication. His first job working at the drive-in where he met his wife. He moved up in the ranks at Grocery Warehouse. He served as manager at Squeri's Cash & Carry and later became the owner of Hyde Park Wine & Spirits. Through his work, he was known as someone who took pride in what he did and carried himself with determination.

He also leaves behind many warm and memorable qualities that made him so dearly loved. Michael loved fishing, Christmas, and Frisch’s. Christmas was especially close to his heart, and he happily watched Hallmark Christmas shows all year long. He had a special fondness for Reese’s candy and took great joy in sharing it with his grandchildren. He was the kind of man who was certain he was right—even when he wasn’t—and he made sure everyone around him knew it, a trait that brought both laughter and affection to those who loved him best.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Michelle Harris and her husband Gary Harris and his son Nelson Hays. He also leaves his sisters, Linda Williams and Rose McMahon and her husband, John, along with his brothers, Donald Hays, Dennis Hays and his wife Tammy. His family was further blessed by his grandchildren, Alyssa Costa and her husband, Hayden, Kaydence Grimbleby, Kasidy Payne, Asher Hays, and Gary Harris III. He is also survived by his great-granddaughter, Willow Costa, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews who will carry his memory forward with love.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Roberta Hays; his father, Nelson Hays; his mother, Rosemary Hays; his brother Nelson Hays and his brother-in-law, Terry Williams.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Memorial Gathering on October 4, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Tree of Life Church, 6477 Cooper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45242. A Memorial Service will follow from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the church.

Michael’s memory will live on in the stories shared, the laughter he inspired, the candy passed to little hands, and the Christmas spirit he carried so joyfully. He will be missed dearly and remembered always.