Bill Hayes

William “Bill” Milton Hayes, 94, of Orange, Texas, passed away on February 26, 2020, in Orange.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 29, 2020, at North Orange Baptist Church in Orange, Texas. Officiating will be Reverend Lynn Ashcraft and Reverend Chip Anthony. Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Orange, Texas.

Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Born in Houston, Texas, on September 16, 1925, he was the son of William Loren Hayes and Olive May (Williamson) Hayes. Bill proudly served his country in the United States Navy before going on to work at DuPont Sabine River Works where he retired after 35 years. He was a devoted member of North Orange Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School for many years, was a group leader for NOBS (North Orange Baptist Senior Adult Group), active in the choir where he sang many solos, and received his 50-year member plaque. He loved the Lord and loved serving in his church. Bill also enjoyed singing and listening to his favorite gospel songs. He served as a professional square dance caller for many years. Bill loved his family dearly and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Olive Hayes; his loving wife of 32 years, Ruby Lorene Hayes; son, Milton Ray Hayes; and his siblings, Venus Hayes, John Hayes, and Nancy Youngblood.

Bill is survived by his children, Deborah Goforth and husband Keet, of Orange, and Teresa Pierce and husband Sam, of Montgomery; his grandchildren, Stacey Gauthier and husband Joe, Milton Hayes, Jr. and wife Jen, Kristy Phillips and husband Jeremy, Nikki Parrish and husband Steve, Jason Smith and wife Christy, Eric Smith and wife Heidi, Bret Turner and wife Brooke, Matt Looney and wife Allyse, and Lauren Ragusa and husband Shane; 24 great grandchildren and one on the way; and 2 great great grandchildren; along with numerous other loving extended family members and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jason Smith, Eric Smith, Bret Turner, Matt Looney, and Shane Ragusa. Honorary pallbearers are Zachary Smith, Nathan Smith, Samantha Smith, Sara Smith, Caleb Smith, Payton Smith, and Dallin Turner.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Southeast Texas Hospice and Private Care Home for their services, as well as Susan Cannon for her loving care.