Thomas Eugene Kays

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His life was marked by devotion to the things he enjoyed, by the relationships he cherished, and by the generosity reflected in his final gift to others.

Thomas Eugene Kays, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on October 2, 2026, in his hometown of Louisville. He was born on May 30, 1961, in Louisville, Kentucky.

Thomas will be remembered as a certified chef whose green beans were a must when he cooked for the University of Louisville basketball team. His specialty was French cuisine but his sons loved his wings and cheesecake. He brought care and skill to his work, and cooking remained one of the great pleasures of his life. He attended Evangel World Prayer Center and was excited about a new chapter helping the Lords kitchen. He loved the Lord. He was an avid fan of the Miami Dolphins and the University of Louisville. He also loved history and had an interest in archeology. Thomas had an infectious laugh that made others laugh because he was. In death, he continued to give to others as an organ donor.

He is survived by his sons, William “Bill” Thomas Kays and Samuel Gordon Kays and Samuel’s wife, Brianna. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Eliana Ann Kays, whose place in the family brought special joy. Thomas is further survived by his sister, Karen Jeanine Maye and her husband, George; by his former wife, Gina Kays; and by his nieces, Illonna Purvis and her fiancé, Dejuan, and Victoria Triana.
He was preceded in death by his father William Thomas Kays, mother Barbara Jean Kessinger Dorsey and niece, Cory Triana.
Thomas Eugene Kays will be remembered with love by those who knew him and by the family who carry his memory forward. His life was marked by devotion to the things he enjoyed, by the relationships he cherished, and by the generosity reflected in his final gift to others.

His funeral will be 1:00 p.m. Friday October 9, 2026, at Evangel World Prayer Center, 6900 Billtown Road. burial will follow in Crosswater Gardens Cemetery in Louisville, Officiants will be Pastor Bob Rodgers and Pastor Kedrick Timbo. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Friday at the church prior to the service.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that expressions be made to the family for final expenses.

Maraman-Billings Funeral Home in Shepherdsville has been entrusted with the final arrangements.