Claude A Hays

Claude was born on December 26, 1932 in Kisatchie, Louisiana and eventually moved to Sulphur, where he remained until he graduated from Sulphur High School in 1950. His quiet determination was on display even as a young high school graduate, as he hitchhiked to McNeese Junior College, and worked nights in order to put himself through school. He ultimately graduated with a business degree from Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) in 1954.

After graduating from college, Claude was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, and left his beloved Louisiana pines and accompanying humidity in order to train as a navigator at Ellington Air Force Base in Houston. While stationed in Houston, Claude met Barbara Slaid, a blonde and gregarious X-ray technician in the singles department of South Main Baptist Houston. The two were married in Barbara’s home town of Port Arthur on October 7, 1956. Claude graduated from navigator school and was transferred to Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas.

Upon completing three years in the United States Air Force, Claude attended the University of Texas School of Law, where he developed a love for all things burnt orange which only grew stronger upon his graduation in 1960. Claude and Barbara welcomed their son, David, during Claude’s final year of law school.

Upon graduating from law school with Honors, Claude worked for Shell Oil Company in the land department for ten years. His work for Shell Oil took the family to Houston, Corpus Christi, Tyler, and Conroe. While the family was living in Corpus Christi, Claude and Barbara welcomed their daughter, Karen.

In 1970, the family moved to Georgetown, where Claude became the owner of Georgetown Title Company, and served as President.  Claude was also an owner of Longhorn Title Company. Over the years, the two companies employed hundreds of people.

Claude cared deeply about those he worked with and poured his time, treasures, and talents into serving his church, his family, and his community where he saw a need and in whatever capacity he was called. Among other things, he served as a deacon and, later, trustee of First Baptist Church Georgetown, sat on the board of the Georgetown Healthcare Foundation, and was the recipient of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce’s Owen W. Sherrill Award.

Perhaps most importantly, Claude consistently demonstrated what it looks like to exercise servant leadership. He was steady and patient, did not speak without first putting much thought into his words, and was a consummate listener. From time to time, he would surprise everyone around him with a witty and dry word. A delight to those fortunate enough to be in earshot.

Claude is survived by his wife, Barbara; his son, David Hays and wife Tammy; his daughter, Karen Cumberland and husband Mike; grandchildren Rebecca Barho and husband Ty; Andrew Hays and wife Haleigh; Evan Hays and wife Whitney; Benjamin Hays and wife Amy; Allison Cumberland; and Madeline Cumberland; his sister, Mary Francis Trosclair; his niece Linda Hewitt and husband Sam; his niece Julie Breaux and husband Billy. He is also survived by ten great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Ruth Bailey, and a myriad of others whom he loved.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 20 at the home of David and Tammy Hays. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, October 21 at First Baptist Church Georgetown.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Faith in Action, 413 Fitness Parkinsons Fund and R.O.C.K.