Willie Herbert Hays

Willie Herbert (Herb) Hays of Amarillo, Texas passed away on November 20, 2024 at the age of 97 years and 357 days.

Willie was born on November 28, 1926 in Sayre, Oklahoma to William Herbert Hays and Margarete (Maggie) Belmont McManus Hays. He was one of Seven (7) children. He graduated from high school in 1944. He then enlisted in the Navy and served for 2 years as the war wound down.

He married Ida Lou Ross on April 16, 1947. They were happily married for 56 years until her passing in August of 2003. They had three (3) sons.

They began their life farming but moved to Amarillo in 1957 when he began working for Pantex. He worked for Pantex in many capacities until his retirement in 1995 as head of the Preventative Maintenance Department.

He was always a quiet man who worked hard and always strove to learn anything new. He could fix just about anything. His work ethic was passed on to his boys and they were the better for it.

He was always kind and loved to tease his daughters-in-law. Just ask them. He still enjoyed a good joke even as in recent years his mind betrayed him. He maintained his good nature even after his memory left him. He struggled trying to communicate but was always concerned that he was paying his way and didn’t want to be a burden to anyone.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lou, all 6 of his brothers and sisters, his son Herbert Dean Hays, a grandson Robert (Bobby) Dean Hays, and a daughter-in-law Deborah Hays. He is survived by sons Terry Lynn Hays and wife Tessie, Robbie Neil Hays and wife Nancy, daughter-in-law Beverly Hays and 8 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great- grandchildren.

We would like to recognize and give a heartfelt thanks to a special friend Bobbie Cummins, who helped care for him and checked on him daily. And a special thanks to all the nurses from Professional Case Management and BSA Hospice who cared for him every day for several years. You have become family, and we greatly appreciate all your hard work and loving care. 

In lieu of flowers, we request memorials to High Plains Children’s Home or a charity of your choice.