Grandpa Tommy Hays was a hero to foster children

The Royal Family has lost a royal servant. Tommy Hays, also known as Grandpa Tommy at the Bakersfield Royal Family Kids Camp (RFKC), left this life to be with God on May 13, 2023. Grandpa Tommy was 93. 

Grandpa Tommy led an influential and historic life as a founding member of the “Bakersfield Sound” and touched the hearts and lives of many foster children at RFKC. Grandpa Tommy would play the guitar for the children at camp and write original songs to share. The children enjoyed the warm hugs from Grandpa Tommy, his kind smile, and the sparkle in his eyes. Grandpa Tommy brought a simple peace and joy to the Bakersfield RFKC. 

As a leader of the Kern County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, Grandpa Tommy spearheaded a fundraising campaign to send foster children ages six through eleven to a week of RFKC. Over the years, this tradition of generosity continued and close to one hundred campers were blessed to attend RFKC thanks to Grandpa Tommy and his advocacy for children that have experienced abuse and neglect. 

The video attached is a song Grandpa Tommy wrote and performed at RFKC. Words cannot express the gratitude to God for spending time with Grandpa Tommy. His legacy lives on through the music heard around the world, in the radiant smile and heart of his loving wife, Nana Kim Hays, and in the warm memories the county music legend gave to children by serving a week of his life to bless foster children at RFKC. 

We love you, Grandpa Tommy!

Grandpa Tommy and Nana Kim sharing a song Tommy wrote for the children!

Here is a link to Grandpa Tommy’s Obituary

Here is a link to an article in the Bakersfield Californian about Tommy Hays