Thomas Gaston Hayes, Jr. passed away in early June, at a young 56 years of age at his home in Rustburg, VA. Tom was the son of Tom and Mary Hayes of Brownsville, TX. Thomas was a proud U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserves veteran. He graduated from the Medical College of Virginia and practiced pharmacy for 29 years, primarily in his hometown of Tazewell, Virginia. Tom enjoyed caring for his community while operating Hayes Drug, where he made many friends. It was in his love for farming that he found most happiness while working the hay fields, training his dogs, running his cattle, or riding his horses.

In addition to his parents, Tom leaves behind his children, Thomas Gaston Hayes III and Peyton Faith Hayes, both of Tazewell; and his sisters, Tamara Ferguson of Tazewell, and Teresa Shappell of Reno, NV. He also leaves behind aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Fitting the "Hayes" tradition, a celebration of life is scheduled for 5:00 pm Saturday, October 8, 2022, in Tazewell, VA. Family and friends will meet at the Burkes Garden school to travel to Round Mountain for a short service and then return to the old school around 6:00 pm for music from High Test Grass, and Tom's favorite foods and beverages.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to The Needy Pet Fund, Crab Orchard Veterinary Services, 1402 Pisgah Rd., Tazewell, VA 24651.