William Auburn Hays Jr.

William Auburn Hays, Jr. (Bill) died peacefully at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on September 3, 2025. Bill was born in Jackson, Mississippi in 1934 and moved to New Orleans as a child. He graduated from St. Martin’s Episcopal School, attended Tulane University, and later served in the United States Army in Germany.

When he was young, Bill explored his musical talents, playing the guitar and singing in the French Quarter. He loved to tell the story of how he got top billing (above Peter Graves) in the B horror movie “Poor White Trash” for singing the movie’s theme song. Bill thought he might become a professional musician, but after working as a roadie for Arlo Guthrie, he realized the touring life was not for him. He continued to sing for pleasure for many years, and his daughters fondly recall the evenings he pulled out his guitar and led them in his favorite folk songs.

Professionally, Bill was surprised to learn he had a head for business and a real talent for sales. He opened a single OK Tire Store in Gentilly and built it into Direct Tire Town, a successful multi-state chain of automotive and tire stores. He loved what he called “wheeling and dealing”, referring to himself as a “Tyrecoon” and working well into his 70s.

His passion was sailing. He learned to sail in high school and over the years became a skilled racer. He won numerous races, including the Gulf Ocean Racing Circuit and the race to Pensacola. Bill was an honorary lifetime member of the Southern Yacht Club.

An avid traveler, Bill and his wife Pat, his favorite traveling partner, enjoyed countless adventures together in the U.S., Europe, Asia and Australia. They also loved antiquing together, particularly at the Brimfield Antique Market in Massachusetts.

Bill will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, a great friend, and an advisor and mentor to many. He was generous with his time and support, quick to laugh, and always ready with a funny story or joke.

Bill is survived by his wife Patricia Walt Hays, his two daughters, Catherine Hays Downs (Andrew) and Lee Upham Hays, and by his grandchildren, Harrison Montgomery Downs, William Balfour Downs, and Elizabeth Tolhurst Downs. Bill was preceded in death by his parents William Auburn Hays, Sr. and Sue Brown Hays, his beloved stepdaughter Tracy Tooker Griswold, and her husband George Turnure Griswold, Jr.

The family would like to thank Bill’s wonderful caregivers, Shaneka Williams, Tamara Billy, Jeannette Brown, Joyce Anderson, Rhonda Selvage, Carolyn Williams, and April Billy.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, followed by a reception at the Southern Yacht Club. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.

If you would like to hear Bill sing in his only movie role, visit https://youtu.be/H2ZFPW5Cm6s.