Walter Hayes Greenwood

1947. He was driven by a life filled with Christian values, and a loving and loyal heart dedicated to serving his family.

Hayes was perhaps best known for his unwavering devotion to his beloved wife, Dee, who he leaves behind in Buffalo, NY. He spent his final years serving and caring for her full time due to her early onset of Dementia. His example of sacrifice and service was a great blessing and testimony to his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his beloved Wife, Hayes leaves behind 4 boys who feel his absence greatly, remembering a devoted and caring Father who was always there in the big and small details. His boys are Glenn (Mary) along with his grandchildren Joshua, Noah & Bella; Brent (Melani) along with his grandchildren Joshua & Olivia; Charles (Michelle) along with his grandchildren Jackson, Brady & Gracie; and Bobby, along with his grandchildren Amelia, Eva & Josiah. Hayes also leaves behind a beloved Stepmother, Jean Greenwood of Dickson, Tennessee, and his beloved Sister, Paula Fonfara and family, of Ft. Collins, Colorado.

Hayes was an avid and accomplished Golfer. He received a scholarship to play in college. Hayes passed this love of golf on to his 4 boys, a love & knowledge that was passed on to him from his dear Uncle Bob Moore. He also admired and aspired to take after his cousin Bobby Greenwood, an All American Golfer in North Texas. His skill was developed in his teens in Stillwater, where he practiced with classmates & golfing buddies who aspired to follow in the footsteps of the great OSU golf teams of the 60’s (whom they often shared a range with at Lakeside Golf Course). Hayes was honored to be a 1965 State Champion Golfer, along with classmates in his Stillwater, Oklahoma High School. Later on, Hayes would win numerous honors at the New York Rangers Alumni Golfing Tournaments, including ‘Longest Drive’. Hayes also passed on his love for golf to countless others across the country. Coworkers, friends in Tennessee and New York, and friends he made during retirement in Colorado benefited from his lessons and expertise. His love of golf was just about equal with his love for Oklahoma State University (NEVER to be confused with Oklahoma University :) ) Being a Time Warner Salesman, he would often take Clients out to golf, leading him to form relationships that helped him accomplish Top Salesman for Time Warner many times.

Although these official accolades and accomplishments are a source of pride in his family, the 4 boys are proudest to remember their Dad as their Coach and number one fan. He coached the boys in football and baseball, and was known in the neighborhood as the dad who created baseball diamonds, football fields, and even a dirt bike race track that all the neighbor kids could enjoy. He often gave pep talks to his grandchildren, even in his later days of failing health, which inspired their game and confidence.

Thank you for your outpouring of love, memories and encouragement, please take the opportunity to leave your favorite memories of our Dad. Due to Covid limitations, this webpage will serve as a remembrance to all that Hayes was in our lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Hayes’ Mother’s scholarship at their beloved Oklahoma State University. The scholarship is named ‘Kathryn Greenwood Endowed Scholarship.’ Memorial donations can be made online to the OSU Foundation at https://secure.osugiving.com/give. Then search for “Kathryn Greenwood Endowed Scholarship”. After selecting the scholarship & adding your donation, you can select “In Memory Of” to add Hayes’ name.

Checks can also be mailed to the OSU Foundation: PO Box 1749 Stillwater, OK 74076-1749. Make checks payable to The OSU Foundation and specify the scholarship name & in memory of information from above.