William Hays Obituary

William Happy Hays

March 29, 2026

Columbia, South Carolina - A memorial service for William Happy Hays, 93, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2026 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, with a private burial in the church columbarium. The family will receive friends following the service in Thompson Hall.

Mr. Hays died Sunday, March 29, 2026. Born in Anderson, he was a son of the late William Haffie and Gladys King Hays. He grew up in Anderson and graduated from Boys' High School in 1951. After high school, Happy got his start in the dental field at Calvo Dental Lab where he worked from 1951 to 1954. He entered the U.S. Army in 1954 and worked in their dental labs in both Tacoma, Washington and Munich, Germany.

After two years of military service, Happy returned to Calvo Dental Lab in Anderson and served there two more years. Happy began his illustrious career in dental supply sales in 1958 with Thompson Dental Company. When Patterson Dental bought out Thompson in 2002, Happy continued his career there until his retirement in 2014, for a total of 55 years in the dental supply industry.

During his memorable career in the dental supply business, Happy received several "Salesman of the Year" awards at Thompson Dental, as well as several "Top Market Share" awards with Patterson Dental. His genuineness and honesty with his customers were unparalleled.

Happy was the only dental sales representative to receive the honor of being in the 150 Anniversary book (1869-2019) History of the SC Dental Association under the chapter of Outstanding SCDA Leaders.

In 2009, the South Carolina Dental Association presented Mr. Hays with the Presidential Citation on the 50th anniversary of his service in the dental supply industry. Upon his retirement in 2014, he was presented with a Concurrent Resolution by the South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives commending his 55 years of dedicated service in the dental supply industry. He was considered the "Dean" of the dental supply industry in South Carolina. His years of dedicated services to his dental customers were a testament to his genuine interest in his clients and the profession of dentistry.

Known for his bowties and being the "best dressed man in dentistry," there was no casual dress for him. He was loved by many with most saying "we loved our Happy". He became a lifetime true friend for some and a trusted Dental Advisor to all who had the pleasure of being his client. Many reps have stated how much he helped them in their careers. He was the ultimate sales professional and a true Southern Gentleman.

In the civic arena, Happy was a member of the Anderson Jaycees and held every office there plus being a state director. After his move to Columbia, he was involved with the North Lake Sertoma Club.

Mr. Hays was a member of Forest Lake Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon. He later became a member of the Eastminster Presbyterian Church.

He was married to Patsy Kay Hays for 33 years until her death in 1990. In 1996, he married Terry Cobb, a Registered Dental Hygienist and also a sales representative for Thompson and Patterson dental companies.

In his later years of working, when someone would ask him what he did for work, he would always answer "I ride around listening to the radio and visiting my friends."

Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Terry Cobb Hays; son, William "Bubba" Happy Hays Jr.; grandson, William "Will" Happy Hays III; numerous nieces and nephews; and Happy's little buddy and companion, his dog Jackson.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Patsy Kay Hays; his daughter, Kathryn "Kathy" Lynn Hays; and three sisters.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.