Don Hays

Don Hays, 85, of Lubbock, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday morning, December 9, 2025. He was born on January 18, 1940, in Slaton, Texas to the late Raymond and Josephine Hays.

Don was a 1959 graduate of Lubbock-Cooper High School.

He met the love of his life, Debbie Parker, and they were united in marriage on December 8, 1990, at Bacon Heights Baptist Church in Lubbock.

Don was originally a farmer and transitioned from that to be the owner/operator of Woodrow Pump Service from 1976 to the present. He was active until his health declined but was still fielding calls and offering advice and information to customers until very recently. Helping others was something he enjoyed, and he took his responsibility to provide water to those that needed assistance seriously.

He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He was always willing to lend an ear or offer a helping hand. He was there for whatever anyone needed and supported his family with time and effort willingly. He enjoyed landscaping, photography, working in his yard and garden, and growing flowers. He was never able to say that the grass was greener on the other side of the fence unless he was standing in someone else’s yard.

Don was creative and enjoyed coming up with novel shortcuts and wasn’t afraid to try to make new things. He thought outside of the box and came up with some very interesting ideas that he probably should’ve patented because there were a few times that someone else saw what he’d created and ran with it. One example was a trailer where people could sit on the back and spray roundup on weeds in a crop and cover a lot of ground in a day. Instead of coming up with a way to sell it himself, he was happier just using what he’d developed and showing others how he did it.

Since 1995, he has been a faithful, long-time member of Southcrest Baptist Church and didn’t just attend there but was truly involved and his servant’s heart was obvious for all to see. For many years, he organized Southcrest’s entry of their float for the 4th on Broadway Parade which always showcased God and country. Honoring our military and respect for God and country was something that truly mattered to him.

Don never met a stranger and was a “people person”. He loved Christmas and, each year for several years, he and Debbie would hold an open house at Christmastime and invite everyone from their church. Don would often extend the invitation to strangers that he’d meet in stores or when he was out and about. One year, Debbie was surprised to hear that he’d been on the radio inviting anyone who was listening! He was hoping that they’d see the love and generosity as an example of God’s love and he could use this time as a witness of his Christian faith. That was very important to him.

Those left to cherish and honor his memory include his wife, Debbie; his beloved children: Debbie Richardson and husband Clark of Lubbock, Brad Hays and his wife Theresa of Lubbock, Shane Medlock and wife Tanya of Ropesville and Adam Medlock of Lubbock; one brother, Bobby Hays of Lubbock. He also leaves behind his eight grandchildren: Trent Richardson and wife Crystal, Tracy Bonds and husband Landon, Ashley Pedigo and husband Dustin, Aaron Hays and wife Jessie, Brooke Pollock and husband Nathan, Allison Estep, Chance Medlock, and Payton Addison and husband Sam. He also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren: Holly, Melody, and Simon Pedigo, Declan Richardson, Hannah, Charlie, and Wesley Hays. Dawson Raines and wife Abby. He was looking forward to meeting two more great-grandsons that will be coming in 2026. Don was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters: Dorothy, Margie, Rebecca and Judy; and one brother, Jim Godwin.

The family will host a visitation at Southcrest Baptist Church on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 10 AM. Celebration of Life Memorial Services will follow at 11 AM with Dr. David Wilson officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Building Fund of Southcrest Baptist Church in Don’s memory in lieu of flowers.

Any floral remembrances should be delivered directly to Southcrest Baptist Church on the morning of Friday, December 19, 2025, and not sent to the funeral home.