Mr. Jimmy Ray Hays

Jimmy Ray Hays from Mount Enterprise, TX "and, damn proud of it" was called to his eternal home on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at his residence. He was born March 18, 1948 in Henderson, TX to Eva Mae and the late Durwood Hays. He attended grade school in Henderson and junior high school in Minden, TX. He graduated from Mt. Enterprise High School in 1966 with 23 classmates. In 1974, Jimmy bought a service station that was located at the intersection of Hwy 259 and Hwy 84 in Mt. Enterprise where Jeannie's Exxon was once located. In 1976, he began working for Automatic Gas Company as a route driver and later attended Kilgore Police Academy, graduating as Valedictorian of his class in 1983. He then began a 32 year career working for Rusk County. He began this career as a Deputy Sheriff working under Sheriff Mike Strong in 1983. A year later, he was promoted to License and Weight Officer and after a year, he was promoted to Rusk County Road and Bridge Administrator where he worked until his retirement in 2014. Jimmy was a member of the Mt. Enterprise School Board, Mt. Enterprise Water Board, Mt. Enterprise Fire Department Board, Farm Service Agency Board, and Rusk County Safety Board. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Henderson, TX and a member of the Adult 6 SS Class. Jimmy loved to "ride the roads" and prided himself in knowing every road and bridge in Rusk County. He enjoyed his job so much and was always surrounded by wonderful co-workers who he could also call dear friends. He served under 10 Commissioners and 5 judges considering each of them as part of his family. He enjoyed spending time on trips with his "forever friends" traveling to Red River, NM before his health was impaired on November 29, 2012. The delight in his life was playing dominoes with his "forever friends" in the "Boar's Nest" located in his back yard. He was an excellent cook and enjoyed cooking for crowds in chili competitions with the Commissioners at the annual RCEC meetings and anywhere else that he would share his cooking skills. Arrangements are entrusted with Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home with visitation to be held on Thursday, April 9, 2015 from 5-7 pm at First Baptist Church of Henderson and funeral services scheduled for 2 pm on Friday, April 10, 2015 at First Baptist Church with Pastor David Higgs officiating. Interment will follow at Shiloh Cemetery under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home. Jimmy is survived by his wife Anita, six children, Josh Hays of Mt. Enterprise, Jamie Flanagan of Crane, MO, Jeff Rumbo of Henderson, Joey Rumbo of Washington, DC, Becky Brunett of Pearland, TX, and Randall Farr of Huntsville, TX. Also, seven grandchildren, his mother, one brother, and two sisters. Pallbearers are Jackie Risinger, Ricki Keeling, Steve Jones, Paul Reeves, Roger Grounds, and Leon Sanders. Honorary pallbearers will be the Commissioners of the Court of Rusk County. Memorials are welcomed to the Hospice of East Texas with overwhelming gratitude to each member of the Hospice Team. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Mr. Jimmy Ray Hays

March 18, 1948 - April 7, 2015