William E. Hayes Jr.

(April 5, 1930-October 26, 2011)

William E. Hayes Jr. passed away on October 26, 2011 after a brief and intense battle with cancer. Bill was born in Gatesville, TX to William E. and Monnie Belle Hayes, where he attended public schools and graduated from Gatesville High in 1947.

Following graduation he attended John Tarleton State and Texas Tech University, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, and ROTC honors.

Bill was commissioned by the United States Air Force as 1st Lieutenant serving at Lackland Air Force Base, Nellis Air Force Base, Laon Air Force Base, Laon France; where he served as Air Police Operations Officer, Base Defense Force Commander, Wing Security Officer amongst other duties.

Upon discharge from the Air Force, Bill continued his education at The University of Texas in Austin, where he received a Graduate Degree in Finance.

After graduation Bill met the love of his life Betty Waddill on a trip to Austin with his friend Don Flentge. Betty and Bill were married on February 2, 1957 spending 54 wonderful years together.

Bills finance career spanned over fifty years where he worked as Security analyst for Republic National Bank of Dallas, Securities Analyst for First Southwest Corporation of Dallas, Assistant Treasurer for American National Insurance Company of Galveston, Vice President of Stone and Webster Security Corporation of Houston, Financial Vice President of Pioneer Oil and Gas Corporation of Amarillo, Financial Vice President for State Boat Company with the US Maritime Agency.

Bill loved the outdoors learning how to enjoy the land and wildlife from his Uncle Dawson, who also taught son Greg the same skills. One of his true pleasures was hunting, fishing and spending time at the hunting camp with friends and family.

Bill was a member at Conroe Country Club for over forty years, where he enjoyed playing twice a week, especially with his Thursday morning golf group.

Among his other pursuits and interests, Bill was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Conroe, and the Masonic Lodge, having earned the honor of Over Fifty Years as Master Mason.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his wife, Betty Waddill Hayes, and son William G. Hayes (Greg) both of Conroe.

Visitation will be held Monday, October 31st from 6-8 pm at Metcalf Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held in the Chapel of the First United Methodist Church on Tuesday, November 1st at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church, 4308 W. Davis Street, Conroe, TX, 77304.

Pallbearers: Bob Gerhart, John Paul Hopkins, Don Flentge, Bob Hataway, Troy McCraray, Dick Coyle. Honorary Pallbears: Seth Dorbandt, Tommy McCollum, H. Walker and all members of the Thursday Morning golf group.