NEWS

 

In Loving Memory of Dr. Sam Hay

September 10, 1924 – February 6, 2024

 

Born September 10, 1924 in Brevard, NC to Presbyterian minister John R. Hay and his wife Sara Craig Hay, Sam grew up in Hickory, graduating from Hickory High School in 1941. He then moved to Davidson College, graduating in 1944. From there he headed for Chapel Hill where he completed the two-year program for Certificate of Medicine at the UNC Medical School, finishing first in his class. He finished his training for his M.D. at Harvard Medical School.

From 1949 to 1953, Sam served his internship, fellowship, and residency at the University of Virginia Hospital, serving concurrently during the years 1950 to 1952 at the U.S. Navy Hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Having married Dorothy Churchill in 1949, Sam moved in 1953 to Toccoa, Georgia where he practiced internal medicine at Toccoa Clinic from 1953 until his retirement in 1991. After retirement from full-time practice, Dr. Hay worked for ten years at the Stephens County Health Department Indigent Clinic which he organized.

Ever a mainstay at the First Presbyterian Church of Toccoa, he served as a church elder, clerk of the session, and Sunday School teacher among other responsibilities. He also served on the boards of Stephens Federal Bank and Bank of Toccoa and was active in Habitat for Humanity, serving as president after helping found the local chapter. He and Dot worked regularly with the Stephens County Soup Kitchen and supported the Stephens County Symphony and the Georgia Heart Association.

In January 2002, Sam and Dorothy moved to the The Pines. While living at The Pines, Dr. Hay volunteered at the free clinic in Huntersville. He and Dorothy were active members of Davidson College Presbyterian Church. Dot Hay predeceased Sam in June 2019. A service will be held on Saturday, February 10 at 2:00 p.m. in the Davidson Room at The Pines, with a reception to follow.

 

Memorials in his name may be made to:

The Chattanooga Conservancy

The Blue Ridge Conservancy

 

Condolences may be sent to:

Son – Dick (Pam) Hay, 108 Peters Place, Davidson, NC 28036

Son – Sam Hay Jr., 4779 South East Qual Trail, Stuart, FL 34997

Son – Fred Hay, 261 East View Dr., Boone, NC 28607

Daughter – Dorothy Kurtz, 2073 Fallon Rd., Lexington, KY 40504