John Hiram Hay

John Hiram Hay, age 78, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, with his devoted wife and friends by his side.  We find comfort that, after suffering from illness and injuries for many months, he has gone to be with his Heavenly Father.

John was born on December 5, 1940 to parents George and Edith Hay in El Paso, Texas.  He grew up in Mesilla Park, New Mexico, where he loved playing baseball in his younger years, and graduated from Las Cruces High School.  He then attended New Mexico State University for two years majoring in Chemical Engineering before enlisting in the US Air Force.  He served for four years at Columbus Air Force Base training pilots in navigation during the Vietnam War.  After he completed his service, he went back to NMSU and graduated with an Electrical Engineering degree in 1969.

John married his wife, Norma Jo Fillingame, in 1964 and they had two children together – Timothy Alan Hay, born in 1968, and Janetta Jo Hay, born in 1971.

His career path led him from New Mexico to Tennessee to Oklahoma back to Texas and even all the way to Australia, where he spent seven years working at the Boeing Company in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia.  During this time, John and Norma traveled all over the world and led a very active lifestyle exploring many interests.

John loved fishing, playing golf and watching sports (especially the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks and his grandchildren’s sporting events).  But most of all, he loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren whom he was devoted to and loved unconditionally.

John is survived by his beloved wife of almost 55 years, Norma Jo; his two children, Timothy Alan Hay  and Janetta Jo Nickerson; Daughter-in-law Sheri D'nece Hay; and son-in-law Douglas Alan Nickerson and his three grandchildren, Meredith Rose Hay, Crysta Jo Nickerson and Erick Alan Hay.  He will also be greatly missed by many other family and friends whom he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Edith Hay and his sister, Marjorie Ann Sanford, as well as many aunts and uncles.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Christ United Methodist Church located at 3101 Coit Road, Plano, Texas 75075.  A reception will immediately follow the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions made to the Journey of Hope Grief Support Center would be appreciated https://johgriefsupport.org/ .  You may also make a donation through the Memorial Donation link above.