Jerald Clayton Hays

Jerald Hays, 80, passed away on July 24, 2022, in Dallas, TX. Jerald Hays was born on February 12, 1942 in Greenwood, MS, to Jerald Clayton Hays, Sr. and Mary Virginia McNeal Hays. Jerald graduated from Nathan B. Forest in 1960 and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree from UT Arlington in 1975. He started his career with Texas Instruments, where he worked for 24 years. He earned his CPA license as well. Jerald left T.I. for some road adventures. He was an OTR driver for 5 years traveling all over the United States, seeing all the sites. He often remarked about how beautiful the USA was, and particularly loved South Dakota. This job also allowed him the opportunity to travel to see his family in Florida. He later advanced to the position of dispatcher where he continued to learn about the truck industry. He left Stevens Transport to form his own company "Keep On Rolling" to help OTR drivers with their finances and taxes. He truly enjoyed this new aspect of his working life. Jerald married Carol Christine Porter on August 17, 1963 in Steubenville, OH. The couple had 3 children, Dana, Katherine and Clayton. Jerald was best known for his love of family and his dry yet wicked sense of humor. He enjoyed all sorts of puzzles. Jerry also loved a good road trip, and many family vacations were spent driving to Florida and West Virginia to visit family; or to places like the Grand Canyon, just because. Jerald also served in the Air Force from 1960 - 1968, where he was stationed in Goose Bay, Labrador; the Netherlands; and Clark AFB, Philippines. Jerald is survived by Carol Hays - spouse, Dana (Scott) Fitzgerald, Katherine Hays, and Clayton (Joanna) Hays; and 7 grandchildren Grayum & Lincoln Fitzgerald; Riley & Adam Hill; Nicholas, Georgia Kate & Benjamin Hays; and his two fur babies Daisy and Sadie. Jerald also has 3 brothers, Ronald, James and Raymond Hays, who reside in Florida. Jerald also had the best relationship with his Mother-in-law, Pauline Porter Bradley, and Sister-in-law, Linda Porter Cole. Jerald is preceded in death by Jerald C. Hays, Sr. - father, Mary Virginia Hays - mother. The Visitation for Jerald Hays will be held on August 4, 2022 at 10am - Noon, New Hope Funeral Home, 500 E. Hwy 80, Sunnyvale, TX. Burial: Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, TX; ceremony for family only. Memorial donations can be made in Jerald's name to Operationsecondchance.org that supports Veterans and their families.