Billy James Hays

A celebration of the life of Billy J. Hays, 89, of Dora, will be held at 11:00 AM, Tues., Nov. 23, 2021 at the Dora Church of Christ with Larry Hays officiating. Those desiring to make memorial contributions to honor Mr. Hays can send them to the New Mexico Christian Children's Home, 1356 NM 236, Portales, NM 88130, or the Dora Church of Christ Building Fund or the Roosevelt County Junior Livestock Sale.

Billy James Hays was born May 3, 1932, in Sayer, OK to the home of Annie (Flemming) and Hunter Gowan Hays, and he died at his home on the morning of Nov. 18, 2021, surrounded by his family. The Hays family moved to the Dora, NM area in 1936, when Billy was four-years-old. On July 11, 1952, he was married to Jo Ann Harvey, his wife of more than 69 years. Their first home was in Red Lake, NM. Later Billy and Jo Ann moved to the Dora community. Mr. Hays operated a dairy for twenty-two years along with his farming operation which he continued for the rest of his life.

Billy and  Jo Ann were chosen as the Roosevelt County Pioneers for the 2017 County Fair. County fairs were a big event in Billy’s life. For many years he worked helping his children and grandchildren prepare and show their animals. He not only helped members of his family but also other young people with FFA projects. In fact, Billy was named an Honorary FFA Member because of the help he provided for so many years.

Billy was a member of the Dora Church of Christ, where he was instrumental in helping with the remodeling project of the church building in 2007. In 2015, he again lent his talents in the remodeling of the Fellowship Hall. Billy was a very talented woodworker and built countless pieces of furniture. He also helped his children in various projects to improve their homes. He greatly enjoyed his association with the Dora Senior Citizens where he was a regular at the pool table.

Billy is survived by his wife Jo Ann; a son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Sheila Hays of Dora; a daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Randy Lieb of Dora/Elida; three grandchildren, Tammy (Mark) Bales, Jody (Jeremy) Dennis, and Gowan (Caitlin) Hays; 7 great-grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews and other family members; and by his faithful dog, Shorty. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Hunter (Dovie) Hays, Jimmie Hays ad L. D. (Pearl) Hays, and by a grandson, Brad Lieb, who died in 2000.

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