Donald Miller Hay

The lyrics to his favorite hymn, The Old Rugged Cross, were close to his heart when Donald Miller Hay woke up in glory to meet his savior, Jesus Christ, face to face on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 93 years of age. Don was born near Whittier, California in September of 1928, but Arizona was his chosen home to raise his family. In life, Don always enjoyed family reunions. What a glorious one he is having now, with family members who have gone before including his first wife Louise who passed away nearly 30 years ago and his second wife Floanna, who went to Heaven in recent years.

A successful home builder, remodeler, and cabinetmaker, Don loved working with his hands and with his collection of antique hand tools. He was even “Home Builder of the Year” in the seventies. Don is survived by his sons Wayne (Bonnie) and Dan (Sydney) who have fond memories of learning hunting, fishing, woodworking, craftsmanship, gardening, and more from their Dad.

A lifelong member of Bethany Bible Church, Don rarely missed a Sunday service or Sunday School class making many dear friends there who will miss him dearly. Don was a devoted supporter of Christian higher education having served in the past as a trustee and on boards and committees for Arizona College of the Bible, Southwestern College, and Arizona Christian University. He even built a dormitory building for a Christian college as a labor of love.

In his later years, Don became quite a gardener, showering friends and neighbors with his home-grown fruits and vegetables. Friends always marveled at how his grapefruit could turn out so sweet. If Heaven has a garden, the angels and saints are in for a wonderful treat. And, look out, Dominoes players, you are about to meet your match.

As the hymn lyrics go, in life Don Hay clung tightly to the cross of Jesus Christ and has now exchanged it for a crown.