Hays, who founded the UK’s largest independent agency in 1980, collapsed and died suddenly at work on 13 November, aged 71.
His funeral was held on Wednesday (25 November), with crowds gathering at the roadside to applaud the cortege as it passed.
It came after Sunderland was lit up in Hays Travel’s blue and orange colours on Tuesday night, and again on Wednesday.
Hays was awarded the freedom of the city of Sunderland in 2016 in recognition of his contribution to the community and the city where the business is headquartered.
