James William Hays, Jr., “Bil” of Siler City, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly at home on New Year’s Eve from heart disease. He was 59.
Bil was born in San Diego, CA to Jim and Peggy Hays. He grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and graduated from high school at the University School of Nashville. He earned a BS in Biology and Comparative Literature from William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia. He went on to earn an MA and completed coursework and exams for a PhD in Comparative Literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Bil worked at UNC-Chapel Hill in Information Technology for over 27 years. He joined the Department of Computer Science at UNC in 1997, and served most recently as IT manager. Bil met his best friend and the love of his life, Patti Honeycutt, in 2007, and they married in 2012.
Bil was known for his big personality, big brain, and big heart. He had a sharp wit and easy laugh. He was a tireless conversationalist and a wonderful listener. Bil developed and maintained strong relationships throughout his life, and his death has left many friends, colleagues, and family members heartbroken. Bil is survived by his wife Patti and stepson Nick; his mother Peggy; his brother Steve and his family (Lolita, Katie, Stephanie, and James Hays); and his sister Catherine and her family (Christopher, Cole, Will, and Aidan Zabriskie). Bil was predeceased by his father Jim.
