Hayes Stripling

Hayes Stripling Jr. passed from this life to life eternal on December 8, 2013. Hayes was born September 22, 1926 in Big Spring. He loved Big Spring and West Texas claiming, “West Texans are the best people on God’s green earth.” Hayes was surrounded by his family and friends in his last days. He maintained his incredible spirit, entertained his caregivers and told stories until the Lord took him home.Hayes graduated from Big Spring High School at the age of 15. With a few dollars in his pocket and a last word of encouragement from his parents, he boarded the train for College Station to attend Texas A&M University. During his time there, Hayes earned a degree in Economics, was elected class president, became head Yell Leader and graduated a member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Class of 1946. He was a Permanently Endowed Member and active participant in the Texas A&M Association of Former Students. Hayes’ time at Texas A&M was interrupted while he answered the call to serve in the United States Navy during World War II. Hayes loved his wife Dorothy. They were married in 1955 and raised their family in Big Spring. Hayes and Dorothy remained happily married for 56 years until her passing in 2011. The two traveled the world together, visiting destinations reaching from the Amazon jungle to the cities of Europe to the Australian outback. It is difficult to name a place that Hayes and Dorothy did not visit together. Hayes loved his family. He spent countless hours with his sons Hayes III and Kyle reviewing homework, coaching baseball, quail hunting and raising them to be “good citizens.” Hayes loved his daughter-in-laws Tammy and Kay. Most of all, Hayes loved his grandchildren, Hayes IV and his wife Jenny, Ross, Will, Mike, Sarah, Ben and his youngest Andrew. Hayes told anyone and everyone about these kids and their accomplishments, but, more than anything, he cherished the unique and loving relationship that he shared with each one of them. Hayes loved people and especially loved children. This love manifested itself in active service. Hayes was awarded the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America for his service to the Buffalo Trail Council. He served for many years on the Big Spring High School Bible Class Board. Hayes served as President of the Rotary Club of Big Spring. He was also a strong supporter of the Big Spring Northside Community Center. Hayes was recognized by the Big Spring Chamber of Commerce for his collective service within the community and was named Citizen of the Year. Hayes was a long time member and supporter of every aspect of the ministries of the First United Methodist Church of Big Spring.Hayes loved business. He had a great entrepreneurial spirit. One of his first enterprises came during his Navy days when he sold over 1,000 hot dogs per night at the Great Lakes Naval Station. This activity raised some suspicion from Navy higher-ups, but Hayes’ Navy officer, a fellow Texan, let him off with a smile. This would not be the last of Hayes’ famed “close scrapes.” Upon returning to Big Spring after college, Hayes went to work with his father starting a wholesale grocery service, the Stripling Supply Company. He remained busy until his passing with various business interests in farming, ranching, real estate and investing. More than anything, Hayes was a loyal friend, a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, and a hard worker. His quick wit and zest for life brought great joy to everyone around him. Hayes was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, and his parents, Hayes Stripling Sr. and Irene. Hayes is survived by his sister, Jane Jones of Big Spring, and his two sons and their families. His funeral service will take place on Thursday, December 12 at 1 p.m. in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Big Spring. The family requests that memorials in Hayes’ honor be made to the Buffalo Trail Council of the Boy Scouts of America or the First United Methodist Church of Big Spring.,