William Harvey Hays

William “Bill” Hays (WJ5O), age 94, formerly of Stillwater, Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday, September 22, after an extended illness. A private family service will be held later.   

Bill Hays was born and lived in Oklahoma until joining the US Air Force at the start of the Korean War.   He served in the 51st Air Rescue Squadron in Narsarssuak AB, in Greenland in the 1950s, and in 1963 to 1964 became the Technical Instructor of Mobile Training Team, Istres, France to give specialized aircraft training to the French.  In the late 1960s his talented teaching was utilized as a Senior NCO Instructor at the USAF NCO Academy at Norton AFB, California. During his career, Bill received numerous awards and honors. 

Upon completion of 22 years of honorable military service,  Bill dedicated his life to teaching High School mechanics for the next twenty years.  During this time, Bill taught Aircraft Mechanics classes for Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas and High School classes at Flour Bluff ISD, in Flour Bluff, Texas.  He enjoyed and shared his love for the Ham radio by founding a High School Ham radio class in the 1980s.  He served as an ARRL & W5YI Volunteer Examiner from 1984-2010, operated a 10  beacon since June 1993 - 2020, maintained a web page describing how to convert CB rigs into 10 meter beacons and “how to” information for prospective beacon operators, and operated an HF Beacon Email Reflector with daily reception reports.  In 2008 he was appointed the HF Beacon Coordinator for the IARU Region 2 with included all of North and South America.  He was awarded Ham of the Year in the 2000s and has received many Ham awards for his communication skills, helpfulness, and positive attitude.

Loving survivors include his devoted daughter, Dr. Sallie Jean Hays Johnson (WH5DEG) and son-in-law, Charlie Johnson; four grandsons, Danny, Chad, Grant, Lucas; one niece, Nola Faye Hays, and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Joy June Hays (N5MOO),  his older brother, Gordon Hays, and parents Charles and Mabel Hays. 

As we extend our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time, we would also like to express our upmost gratitude to you for entrusting us with your loved one. Magnolia Cremations & Funeral Services.

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