I didn’t know Mr. Freedom all that well but I’d met and spoken with him a couple of times. I knew his better half who is mourning her loss today in a state of shock.

Mr. Freedom worked diligently for motocyclist’s in Tennessee and was a strong supporter of Fred Thompson’s bid for the Presidency with “Bikers for Fred”. He was soft spoken, kind, a Veteran, a Patriot who loved his country. I had linked to a posting of Mr. Freedom’s where he had a video from an appearance Fred Thompson had in a visit to Nashville last summer. Unknowingly, I knew his better half through a political connection. He introduced himself at a fundraiser and told me he was a reader of my blog. He had wanted to become involved with Patriot Guard but just didn’t have time with all of his motorcycle lobbying activities.

You can ride without the helmet now Mr. Freedom and feel the wind in your hair. You will be missed.

Update - Funeral and Bio information:
Michael L. “Twanger” HAYS
Age 52
November 14, 2007

One of Tennessee’s most respected Freedom Fighters, died of a heart attack at his home in Nolensville on Wednesday, November 14, 2007. Born in Pulaski, TN on June 17, 1955, to the late Doris Ellen Baker and Harold Dean Hughes. He was also preceded in death by his respected step father, Freeman C. Hays, M.D.

An avid motorcyclist, he was the State Legislative Corporate Director for CMTABATE, the statewide motorcyclists rights organization. He was a member of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and recently lobbied on their behalf before the U.S. Congress. Mr. Hays was sole proprietor of Midsouth Talent & Booking. Before moving to Nashville in 2002, he had been a radio announcer in Orange, VA, toured with his band, Mike Hays and the Haybailers and had spent many years selling specialty audio equipment. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1974, and at the time of his honorable discharge in 1978, was singer and saxophonist in the Admiral’s Band.

Mike is survived by his immediate family; one brother, Paul M. Hays (Cindy) of Washington, DC; three sisters, Barbara Thomas (Cam) of Underwood, WA, Pamela Johnson (Shannon) of Elizabethton, TN and Patricia Ruth Emory (Jimmy) of Richmond, VA. Also surviving are his daughter, Michelle Diana Williams of Indianapolis, IN; two granddaughters, Savannah and Taylor; grandson, Bishop. Mike will also be deeply missed by his life partner, Carol Simpson of Nolensville; her three children and six grandchildren; by a true army of Brother & Sister Freedom Fighters, and by his many friends in the music industry.

Visitation will be Monday, November 19, 2007 from 300 til 545 p.m. at Woodbine Funeral Home, HICKORY CHAPEL, 5852 Nolensville Road. Funeral services will be held at the same location beginning at 6 p.m., followed by a remembrance, hosted by brother Paul at Mike and Carol’s home. On Tuesday, November 20, 2007, a procession led by the Patriot Guard will take Mike’s remains from Hickory Chapel at 9 a.m. to Maplewood Cemetery in Pulaski, where he will be laid to rest with Military Honors at 11 a.m. next to his father and paternal grandparents. Mike Hays was a man of faith, and had been close to the Methodist Church throughout his life. Memorials may be made to CMT-ABATE, Mike Hays Freedom Fighter Fund, P.O. Box 160223, Nashville, TN 37216-0223. WOODBINE FUNERAL HOME, HICKORY CHAPEL DIRECTORS, (615) 331-1952. Still Family Owned

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