BENTON -- Jerry Allen Hays, 62, passed away Jan. 19, 2012, in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale with his sister at his side. Jerry was the son of Jimmie and Chloe (Bridwell) Hays. He was born Feb. 19, 1949, and grew up on the family farm southwest of Macedonia. The farm had been in the Hays family name since the original homestead in the late 1830s. Jerry enjoyed living on the farm, walking the fields and country roads, visiting the many friendly neighbors, and the companionship of his many pets. He worked at Hamilton County Workshop in McLeansboro during the 1960s and 1970s. In 1982, Jerry moved to Benton with his parents, and where he continued to live after their death. Jerry participated in Special Olympics for 36 years, winning more than 100 medals in bowling, track and basketball events at the local, state and international level (1972). Survivors include his sister, Esther Hays; nephew, Cal Hays Wander; and aunts, Mary (Hays) Drake and Ella M. (Bridwell) Burnett; and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmie and Chloe Hays; and his grandparents, Leonard and Nellie Hays and John and Ina Bridwell. No visitation is planned. Morton and Johnston Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are to be made to a charity of the donor's choice . Published in The Southern Illinoisan on January 26, 2012