Charles Raymond Hays Sr.

Charles Raymond Hays, 95, passed away at home on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with his beloved companion, miniature dachshund Mitzi. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, service, and unwavering devotion to his family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Frankie Hays, whose partnership and love were the foundation of his life; and his brother Pat Hays.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Vestavia on Thursday, July 30, 2026. Visitation will start at Noon, with a service following at 1 p.m. Family is invited to follow to a graveside service in Tuscaloosa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name to either St. Mark United Methodist Church, 2901 Columbiana Rd, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216, where he and Frankie had been members for too many years to count. Or, to the Rotary Club of North Shelby Inverness, 5223 Cahaba Valley Cove, Birmingham, AL 35242.

He is survived by his loving children: Sherri Arias and her husband, David; Chuck Hays and his wife, Susan; and Helen Hays Shirey and her husband, Andy. He was a proud grandfather to Chad Hays and his wife, Stephanie; Catherine Brown and her husband, Byron; and Natalie Ann Hays and her husband, Zach; Chris Arias and his wife, Heather; Brittany Sturdivant and her husband, Robert; and Troy Arias. His greatest joy continued with his eight great-grandchildren: Kayla, Aimee, Leanne, Caitlyn, Anna, Ava, Addie Cate, and Jack. He is also survived by several cherished cousins and extended family members.

Raymond enjoyed a full and amazing life. Early on, he served briefly in the U.S. Navy. Following that, he attended college at the University of Alabama, where he earned a bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, and later a master's in Engineering from UAB. This started what would be a very distinguished career spanning more than 30 years with Raytheon Corporation (formerly Rust Engineering), where he retired as Vice President of Quality and Safety Assurance. As a licensed civil engineer in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Ohio, Florida, Alabama, Colorado, and New York, he was widely respected for his expertise and commitment to excellence. He served as President of the Birmingham Chapter of the American Society of Professional Engineers and was a member of the Board of the American Concrete Institute. Those who knew him well can smile remembering that many conversations inevitably turned to the importance of zero defects, concrete strength, and quality assurance.

A lifelong believer in service above self, Raymond was an active member of the Inverness Rotary Club, where he served as President and was recognized as a Paul Harris Diamond donor for his generous support of Rotary International's mission to eradicate polio around the world. He also dedicated countless hours as a volunteer at Grandview Medical Center, contributing more than 150 hours of service to patients and visitors.

What some may not know is that while at the University of Alabama, he played saxophone in the Million Dollar Band. It was there that Colonel Butler gave him the nickname "Tex," a name many friends affectionately used throughout the years. His love of music never faded. A passionate jazz musician, he spent many years performing on the baritone saxophone with the Zamora Temple Shriners Jazz Band, bringing joy to audiences and fellow musicians alike.

While his professional accomplishments and community service were impressive, Raymond would tell you that his greatest achievement was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who led by quiet example, strong values, and unconditional love. His wisdom, steady presence, quick wit, and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family takes comfort in knowing that Raymond and Frankie are together once again, reunited after a lifetime of love and partnership. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the lives he touched, and the example of excellence, service, and kindness he set for generations to come.