A longtime attorney and well-known political figure in our area has died.

John Doug Hays passed away around one this morning at his home.

Hays was a practicing Pikeville attorney for 46 years. He was also a Kentucky State Senator, served as President of the Pike County Public Defender’s Association; served as Pike County Judge Pro-Tem; Special Commissioner of the Pike Circuit Court; Special Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court; Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney; Pike County Judge-Executive Assistant; Pike County Deputy Judge Executive; and, was an Evangelistic Minister.

Visitation will be at 6pm Saturday at the J.W. Call Funeral Home with Masonic Services at 7:00 p.m.

John Doug Hays was 74 years old.