Russell Allen Hays

Listen to this obituary

Mr. Russell Allen Hays, 72, died Sunday, April 16, 2023, at Baptist Memorial Hospital – North Mississippi. The memorial service will be Friday, April 21, 2023, at 1:00 P.M. at Oxford Nazarene Church with Pastor Jeff Byler officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 11:30 A.M. at the church.

Mr. Hays was born on December 9, 1950, in Hammond, Indiana. Family was the center of his life from the very beginning. He held a close relationship with both of his brothers, they were his life-long best friends. Long after leaving home, Mr. Hays remained a loving and devoted son, who deeply valued his relationship with his precious mother and always made time for visits and phone calls. He retired from his work as a sales representative, but soon realized that retirement wasn’t for him. Mr. Hays then began his work in security for Ole Miss and Mississippi State Sporting Events, finding a new sense of purpose and fulfillment from his job. A proud and devoted member of Oxford Nazarene Church, his smiling face was one you could count on each Sunday. He made himself available to the church’s Celebrate Recovery ministry as a safe confidant for members who needed a friend to listen or a shoulder to cry on. No matter the hour, he was always a phone call away to anyone who needed him. Mr. Hays valued his community and quietly gave back to others in thoughtful ways. He was so proud of his family, and was an adoring grandfather, always offering words of encouragement, love, and support to his children and grandchildren. Russell found great joy in telling jokes and was known for his sense of humor. Mr. Hays was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Eugene Hays, and his brother, Christopher Hays.

Mr. Hays is survived by his mother, Beverly Hays of Oxford, MS; son, Bryan Hays and his wife, Aida of Elk Grove, CA; daughter, Sara Drabert and her husband, Eric of Patterson, CA; brother, Gene Hays and his wife, Barbara of Oxford, MS; his five beloved grandchildren, Victor Juarez and his wife, Crystal, Jamie Hays, Aidan Hays, Ethan Drabert, and Evan Drabert; sister-in-law, Nancy Van Diest of Roseville, CA and his nieces and nephews.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Mr. Hays’ memory may be made to Oxford Nazarene Church, 253 MS-7, Oxford, MS 38655.