Wanda Louise Hays

KINGS MOUNTAIN- Wanda Louise Hays, 86, of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on May 9, 2026.

Wanda was born in November 1939 in Clark County, Indiana. She was the second of six children born to Ruth (Noe) Prather and Goeble Copple. Raised in the rural countryside with humble beginnings, Wanda spent her childhood outdoors playing with her siblings, where she developed both a tenacious spirit and a lifelong love of nature. Even as a young girl, she possessed a rare eye for beauty and a natural gift for finding elegance in the world around her.

Her early career led her to hospital work, and it was during this time—while shopping for a car—that she met George, the salesman who would become the love of her life. Captivated by Wanda’s beauty, fiery spirit, and vivacious personality, George was determined not to let her slip away. After she initially refused his invitation for a date, he famously waited outside her home until the early morning hours for another chance to see her. That moment marked the beginning of their remarkable love story. The two were married in 1963.

After their marriage, Wanda worked as a line supervisor at the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant during the Vietnam War era, where military smokeless powder, rocket propellants, and other explosives were produced. As their family grew and the war came to an end, their focus shifted toward building a home and life together in the picturesque town of Greenville, Indiana, where their family truly flourished.

As her children grew older, Wanda discovered a passion for real estate. After several successful years working for others, she earned her broker’s license in commercial real estate and opened her own company, Wanda L. Hays Realty. She took immense pride in her business and later brought her expertise to Chicago, Illinois, where she specialized in selling luxury high-rise condominiums while enjoying city life alongside George.

In 1987, Wanda and George moved to North Carolina for George’s position with Curtis-Wright Flight Systems. Together they embraced a vibrant social life filled with golf, hosting gatherings, and building lifelong friendships. Wanda had a remarkable way of making everyone feel welcome; if you walked through her door, you were family by the time you left.

Wanda was a devoted grandmother who played an active role in the lives of her five grandchildren, all of whom considered “Grammy and Papa’s house” their second home. Wanda and George took them everywhere—from golf courses and swimming pools to mountain getaways and beach vacations. Wanda’s legendary sense of humor brought endless laughter to her family through playful jokes, funny sayings, and unforgettable quirks. She never missed a basement “show,” and one of her favorite traditions was taking the family to Little Switzerland, North Carolina. In later years, she found even greater joy in becoming “Grammy” to her beloved great-grandchildren.

Wanda and George were well known for their spontaneous road trips. It was never unusual to hear they had set off for a new city on a whim. Wanda rarely sat still and much preferred the freedom of the open road to staying home. In later years, she and George completed two cross-country road trips, with New Mexico remaining one of her favorite destinations.

With a sharp eye for antiques and a love for thrifting, Wanda was always searching for hidden treasures and ways to give old things new life. She was truly one of a kind—independent, adventurous, and deeply devoted to her family. She was also a gifted roller skater, a woman who went Undefeated in open class drag racing, had a passion for swimming, vacations, and evenings at the drive-in theater all brought her great happiness throughout her life.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth (Noe) Prather, Ernest Prather, and Goeble Copple; her daughter, Kennethia Rene Hays; her siblings, Robert Copple and Esther Hooker; and her great-granddaughter, Cozette Mauney.

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, George C. Hays; her children, Ruth H. Smith, Janet A.Torgerson (Gregory Donlon), and George C. Hays III (LaDonna); her siblings, Donald Copple, Carol Bowman, and Glen Copple;

Grandchildren, Brittnay Royster, Brieanna Johnson (Remington), and Braie Mauney (Brandon);

Great-grandchildren, Lillyan, Keegan, and Hank Royster; Sterling, Lucille, and Porter Johnson; Delilah Mauney; and Allison Smith.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home in Shelby.

The family will also hold services in Indiana at Seabrook Dieckmann Naville Funeral Home. You can find those services listed below.

Wanda leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, hospitality, adventure, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. She left her sparkle everywhere she went. Wife, Mother, sister, Grammy and friend will be deeply missed and forever be remembered in the lives she has touched.

Services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center www.claybarnette.com