Daniel A. Hays, 28, of Ocala passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 in Ocala. Daniel was born in Ocala and was a lifelong resident of the area. Daniel attended The Cornerstone School and Forest High School. While at Forest, he excelled as a scholar athlete playing football, cross country and track and field events, eventually finding his passion in pole vaulting, leading him to regionals and being offered collegiate scholarships. Daniel earned the nickname “Purple Hays” from his friends and coaches. He obtained the degree of brown belt in Karate between high school sports. Daniel was also an avid runner and loved working out.
After graduating from Forest with high honors in 2011, he attended the University of Florida where he studied health sciences. He worked in the healthcare field, filling a call to help others and was looking toward furthering his career.
Daniel loved to travel, where he visited many countries throughout Europe. He also traveled to parts of Canada and Alaska, where he looked forward to going back in the future.
Survivors include his parents, Jill and Fred Doerr and Gary and Kim Hays; sister Sara Doerr; brother Kevin Hays; step siblings Craig (Emily) Doerr, Allison Tatom, David (Sammi) Doerr; grandparents BJ and Judith Gibbs, uncle Brent (Lori) Gibbs, uncles Mike Doerr, Ben (Bonnie) Doerr, Roger (Judy) Hays.
He is preceded in death by his brother Steven Hays, and grandparents Ben and Joan Doerr and his beloved German Shepherd, Moxie.
A funeral service will be held at 6pm on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, Ocala, 910 E Silver Springs Blvd. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A private burial will be held at a later date. Social distancing and masks will be required.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Southeastern Guide Dogs, https://www.guidedogs.org/make-a-donation/ Online condolences may be sent at www.hiers-baxley.com.